Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Beauty, like ice, our footing does betray; Who can tread sure on the smooth, slippery way: Pleased with the surface, we glide swiftly on, And see the dangers that we cannot shun.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Beauty can be deceptive and lead us to overlook the dangers beneath its surface.
This quote by John Dryden reflects on the nature of beauty and its potentially misleading qualities. It suggests that while we may be attracted to the superficial allure of beauty, it can often conceal underlying dangers that we fail to recognize until it's too late. The metaphor of ice illustrates how beauty can create a false sense of security, leading us to glide along without awareness of the risks that lie beneath.
Themes
BeautyDeceptionDangerSurfacePerception
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the dangers of superficial judgment in relationships.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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