If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
Some burn damp faggots, others may consume The entire combustible world in one small room.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts different levels of passion and intensity in people, suggesting that some have limited ambitions while others have the capacity for greater impact.
This quote by William Butler Yeats explores the disparity in human potential and ambition. It highlights how some individuals engage in minor pursuits ('burn damp faggots') while others possess the ability to affect great change or hold immense power ('consume the entire combustible world in one small room'). This juxtaposition raises questions about aspirations, capabilities, and the ways people choose to influence the world around them.
Themes
AmbitionPowerPotentialImpactContrast
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to illustrate the range of human ambition.
More from William Butler Yeats
All quotes βIt was my first meeting with a philosophy that confirmed my vague speculations and seemed at once logical and boundless.
William Butler YeatsRead
But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
William Butler YeatsRead
How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.
William Butler YeatsRead
For he would be thinking of love Till the stars had run away And the shadows eaten the moon.
William Butler YeatsRead
Love is created and preserved by intellectual analysis, for we love only that which is unique, and it belongs to contemplation, not to action, for we would not change that which we love.
William Butler YeatsRead
Similar quotes
Once upon a time men were possessed by devils. Now they are not less obsessed by ideas
Carl JungRead
In the fairy tale, an incomprehensible happiness rests upon an incomprehensible condition. A box is opened and all evils fly out. A word is forgotten and cities perish. A lamp is lit and love flies away. An apple is eaten and the hope of God is gone.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
There are people who think that plunder loses all its immorality as soon as it becomes legal. Personally, I cannot imagine a more alarming situation.
Frederic BastiatRead
To bring about destruction by overcrowding, mass starvation, anarchy, the destruction of our most cherished values, there is no need to do anything. We need only do nothing except what comes naturally, and breed. And how easy it is to do nothing
Isaac AsimovRead
We've had enough." He took back the report and jammed it under his arm. "We've had a bellyful, in fact." "And like everyone who's had enough," said Control as Alleline noisily left the room, "he wants more.
John Le CarreRead
You go on being reincarnated until you reach the actual Truth. Heaven and Hell are just a state of mind. We are all here to become Christ-like. The actual world is an illusion.
George HarrisonRead