Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Stagnation in thoughts can lead to harmful ideas, just as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for pests.
William Blake argues that a person who is never willing to change their opinions is akin to standing water, which is lifeless and can foster unpleasant creatures. This metaphor highlights the danger of intellectual stagnation, suggesting that evolving one’s thoughts and views is vital for mental and spiritual health.
Themes
OpinionsChangeIntellectual StagnationGrowthPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about important social issues, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for open-mindedness.
More from William Blake
All quotes →In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
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Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
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As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
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He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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