O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the elder days of art Builders wrought with greatest care Each minute and unseen part, For the Gods are everywhere
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the dedication and meticulousness of artists in their craft, suggesting a connection to the divine.
Longfellow's quote reflects on the profound care and attention to detail that builders and artists employed in ancient times. It highlights the belief that their work, crafted with love and precision, was not only to serve humanity but also to honor the divine, implying that the spirit of the gods is present in every aspect of their creation.
Themes
ArtBuildersDivineCreativityDedication
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at an art gallery opening, one might say, 'As Longfellow said, our builders wrought with greatest care, reminding us that art connects us to something greater.'
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes →There are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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