My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, _x000D_ _x000D_ Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence. _x000D_ _x000D_ Thy love is such I can no way repay, _x000D_ _x000D_ The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Anne BradstreetRead
Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge -- fitter to bruise than polish.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote compares authority lacking wisdom to a dull axe, suggesting it is more harmful than beneficial.
Anne Bradstreet uses the metaphor of a heavy, unsharpened axe to demonstrate that authority, when not accompanied by wisdom, can lead to damage rather than constructive outcomes. Without the proper insight and understanding, those in power may use their authority inappropriately, causing more 'bruises' than 'polish'—highlighting the importance of wisdom in leadership and decision-making.
Themes
AuthorityWisdomPowerLeadershipDecision-Making
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of wise leadership in a corporate meeting.
More from Anne Bradstreet
All quotes →If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
Anne BradstreetRead
Iron till it be thoroughly heated is incapable to be wrought; so God sees good to cast some men into the furnace of affliction, and then beats them on His anvil into what frame He desires.
Anne BradstreetRead
O Time the fatal wrack of mortal things,_x000D_ That draws oblivion's curtains over kings;_x000D_ Their sumptuous monuments, men know them not,_x000D_ Their names without a record are forgot,_x000D_ Their parts, their ports, their pomps all laid in th' dust_x000D_ Nor wit nor gold, nor buildings scape time's rust;_x000D_ But he whose name is graved in the white stone_x000D_ Shall last and shine when all of these are gone.
Anne BradstreetRead
That when we live no more, We may live ever
Anne BradstreetRead
To sing of Wars, of Captains, and of Kings/Of Cities founded, Common-wealths begun/For my mean Pen are too superior things.
Anne BradstreetRead
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