Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
He with a graceful pride, While his rider every hand survey'd, Sprung loose, and flew into an escapade; Not moving forward, yet with every bound Pressing, and seeming still to quit his ground.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote captures the essence of grace and freedom in movement despite the absence of progress.
In this quote, John Dryden poetically illustrates a horse's display of pride and grace while in motion, suggesting that true beauty can exist even when one is not advancing in a traditional sense. The imagery evokes a sense of vibrant energy and the elegance of existence that transcends mere forward motion, highlighting the importance of the journey and the manner in which one carries themselves.
Themes
GraceFreedomMovementEnergyBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of embracing one's journey in life rather than just focusing on the end goals.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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