Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
How do you know but ev’ry Bird that cuts the airy way, Is an immense world of delight, clos’d by your senses five?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that our perception limits our experience of the beauty and wonder in the world around us.
William Blake's quote invites reflection on the nature of reality and perception, implying that our senses may restrict our understanding and appreciation of the universe. It challenges us to consider that every aspect of life, symbolized by the birds, carries a wealth of joy and beauty that may remain unnoticed due to our limited sensory engagement.
Themes
PerceptionDelightSensesBeautyReality
In practice
Example use cases
During a nature walk, someone could use this quote to inspire others to pay closer attention to their surroundings.
More from William Blake
All quotes →In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
William BlakeRead
O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
William BlakeRead
Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
William BlakeRead
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
William BlakeRead
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