Visions of glory, spare my aching sight! Ye unborn ages, crowd not on my soul!
Thomas GrayRead
Commerce changes entirely the fate and genius of nations, by communicating arts and opinions, circulating money, and introducing the materials of luxury; she first opens and polishes the mind, then corrupts and enervates both that and the body.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Commerce affects the destiny of nations by spreading culture and wealth, along with both enriching and weakening society.
In this quote, Thomas Gray reflects on the dual nature of commerce. While it serves as a catalyst for the advancement of nations by promoting arts, ideas, and material wealth, it also has a diminishing effect on the moral and physical strength of a populace. The paradox lies in commerce's ability to elevate society but potentially lead to its corruption and decline.
Themes
CommerceNationsCultureWealthArtsMindCorruption
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the effects of globalization on local cultures.
More from Thomas Gray
All quotes →Here rests his head upon the lap of earth, A youth to fortune and to fame unknown: Fair Science frown'd not on his humble birth, And Melancholy mark'd him for her own.
Thomas GrayRead
Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?
Thomas GrayRead
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.
Thomas GrayRead
Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shade! Ah, fields beloved in vain! Where once my careless childhood stray'd, A stranger yet to pain! I feel the gales that from ye blow A momentary bliss bestow.
Thomas GrayRead
Any fool may write a most valuable book by chance, if he will only tell us what he heard and saw with veracity.
Thomas GrayRead
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