A mighty pain to love it is,_x000D_ _x000D_ And 'tis a pain that pain to miss;_x000D_ _x000D_ But, of all pains, the greatest pain_x000D_ _x000D_ Is to love, but love in vain.
Abraham CowleyRead
Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise,_x000D_ _x000D_ He who defers this work from day to day,_x000D_ _x000D_ Does on a river's bank expecting stay,_x000D_ _x000D_ Till the whole stream, which stopped him, should be gone,_x000D_ _x000D_ That runs, and as it runs, for ever will run on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Take risks and act decisively to gain wisdom, as procrastination only leads to missed opportunities.
This quote emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and embracing boldness in pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. It suggests that procrastination, represented by the image of someone waiting by a river, only leads to further inaction and missed chances to grow and learn. Cowley's words remind us that we must actively engage with life and seize opportunities as they come, or risk letting them pass by forever.
Themes
WisdomBoldnessProcrastinationOpportunityAction
In practice
Example use cases
These words can motivate students to take their studies seriously and avoid procrastination.
More from Abraham Cowley
All quotes →Ah! Wretched and too solitary he who loves not his own company.
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May I a small house and large garden have; And a few friends, And many books, both true.
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