If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
Evil comes to us men of imagination wearing as its mask all the virtues.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Evil can disguise itself as good, appealing to our imagination and virtues.
This quote highlights the deceptive nature of evil, suggesting that it often presents itself attractively, masking its true malevolence. William Butler Yeats warns that those who have a vivid imagination may be particularly susceptible to this disguise, as they might see virtue and goodness where there is none, leading to manipulation and betrayal.
Themes
EvilImaginationDeceptionVirtueMask
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about morality, one might quote Yeats to emphasize the need for discernment.
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
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