If two lives join, there is oft a scar. They are one and one, with a shadowy third; One near one is too far.
Robert BrowningRead
Just for a handful of silver he left us, Just for a riband to stick in his coat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the idea of betrayal for trivial rewards.
In this quote, Robert Browning critiques the act of forsaking something of great value, such as loyalty or integrity, for insignificant rewards like money or superficial recognition. It emphasizes the foolishness of valuing material gains over meaningful relationships or principles, highlighting a moral lesson about the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life.
Themes
BetrayalIntegrityLoyaltyMaterialismValues
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics in business, one might use this quote to illustrate the dangers of prioritizing profit over principles.
More from Robert Browning
All quotes →Tis Man's to explore up and down, inch by inch, with the taper his reason.
Robert BrowningRead
I think, am sure, a brother's love exceeds_x000D_ _x000D_ All the world's loves in its unworldliness.
Robert BrowningRead
I dare not so honor my mere wishes and prayers as to put them for a moment beside your noble acts; but this know, I would rather submit to the worst of deaths, so far as pain goes, than have a single dog or cat tortured on the pretence of sparing me a twinge or two.
Robert BrowningRead
How well I know what I mean to do When the long dark Autumn evenings come, And where, my soul, is thy pleasant hue? With the music of all thy voices, dumb In life’s November too! I shall be found by the fire, suppose, O’er a great wise book as beseemeth age, While the shutters flap as the cross-wind blows, And I turn the page, and I turn the page, Not verse now, only prose!
Robert BrowningRead
How good is life, the mere living!
Robert BrowningRead
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