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When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy, And the dimpling stream runs laughing by; When the air does laugh with our merry wit, And the green hill laughs with the noise of it.
William Blake
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the beauty and joy found in nature and the connection between human happiness and the natural world.

In this quote, William Blake portrays a harmonious relationship between nature and human joy. He suggests that the laughter of the woods, streams, and hills mirrors the joyfulness of human spirit, emphasizing how deeply interconnected our emotions are with the environment around us. The imagery of laughing elements in nature illustrates a vibrant scene where every aspect of the landscape participates in the celebration of life, inspiring an appreciation for the beauty and joy that can be found in the world.

Themes

NatureJoyHarmonyHappinessConnection

In practice

Example use cases

Quote this at a nature retreat to inspire participants.

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Quote by William Blake | QuoteProject