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
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.
In practice
During a debate about important social issues, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for open-mindedness.
Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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.
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.
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Being a doctor at Johns Hopkins does not make me any better in God's sight than the individual who has not had the opportunity to gain such an education but who still works hard.
Natural rights is simple nonsense: natural and imprescriptible rights, rhetorical nonsense—nonsense upon stilts.
The behavior of the oppressed is a prescribed behavior, following as it does the guidelines of the oppressor.
In this very real world, good doesn't drive out evil. Evil doesn't drive out good. But the energetic displaces the passive.
He is poor indeed that can promise nothing.
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