Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Extremes in nature equal ends produce; In man they join to some mysterious use.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The extremes in nature create balance, and in humans, they serve a purpose that may be beyond our understanding.
Alexander Pope's quote reflects on the duality and balance present in both nature and humanity. He suggests that just as extremes in nature lead to an equilibrium, the conflicting qualities and extremes found within individuals play a crucial role in shaping their purpose and contributions to the world, often in ways that are not immediately clear to us.
Themes
BalanceDualityNatureHumanityExtremesPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could serve as inspiration for a discussion about environmental sustainability.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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