Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die.
Robert BurnsRead
Misled by fancy's meteor ray, By passion driven; But yet the light that led astray Was light from heaven.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on how our desires can lead us astray, yet there may be a deeper, divine purpose in our journey.
Robert Burns invites us to consider the duality of our passions and desires, suggesting that while they may lead us in seemingly misguided directions, there is a possibility that these experiences are divinely guided. The idea of being misled by 'fancy's meteor ray' symbolizes the illusions created by our superficial desires, while 'light from heaven' implies a deeper truth or purpose that exists beyond our immediate understanding.
Themes
PassionLightMisledHeavenDesires
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about the importance of pursuing one's true passions, this quote can serve as a reminder of the complex nature of desire.
More from Robert Burns
All quotes →I'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union.
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Love's first snow-drop, virgin kiss.
Robert BurnsRead
All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn.
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Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min?
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Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase 'Auld Lang Syne' exceedingly expressive? I shall give you the verses on the other sheet. The words of 'Auld Lang Syne' are good, but the music is an old air, the rudiments of the modern tune of that name. ... Dare to be honest and fear no labor. ... Opera is where a man gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. ... Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure thrill the deepest notes of woe. ... Critics! Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame.
Robert BurnsRead
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