Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
Energy is an eternal delight, and he who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Desire alone is not enough; one must act to create joy and avoid negativity.
In this quote, William Blake emphasizes that energy and action are essential to achieving delight and fulfillment in life. Merely desiring something without taking steps towards it leads to stagnation and negative consequences, symbolized by 'pestilence'. This underlines the importance of actionable efforts in realizing one's dreams and maintaining a positive state of mind.
Themes
EnergyDelightActionDesirePestilence
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, to emphasize the importance of taking action towards one's goals.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn 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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