Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die.
Robert BurnsRead
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men, Gang aft a-gley, And leave us nought but grief and pain, For promised joy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Plans and intentions often go awry, leading to disappointment.
This quote by Robert Burns reflects on the unpredictability of life, suggesting that despite careful planning and hopes for happiness, things often do not turn out as expected. It highlights the inevitable frustration and sorrow that can arise when our aspirations are unmet, reminding us of the fragility of our dreams and the impact of unforeseen circumstances.
Themes
LifePlansDisappointmentSorrowUnpredictability
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about handling setbacks in life.
More from Robert Burns
All quotes βI'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union.
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Love's first snow-drop, virgin kiss.
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All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn.
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Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min?
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Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase 'Auld Lang Syne' exceedingly expressive? I shall give you the verses on the other sheet. The words of 'Auld Lang Syne' are good, but the music is an old air, the rudiments of the modern tune of that name. ... Dare to be honest and fear no labor. ... Opera is where a man gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. ... Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure thrill the deepest notes of woe. ... Critics! Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame.
Robert BurnsRead
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