A mighty pain to love it is,_x000D_ _x000D_ And 'tis a pain that pain to miss;_x000D_ _x000D_ But, of all pains, the greatest pain_x000D_ _x000D_ Is to love, but love in vain.
Abraham CowleyRead
May I a small house and large garden have; And a few friends, And many books, both true.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a desire for a simple life filled with nature, companionship, and knowledge.
Abraham Cowley's quote reflects a longing for a modest and fulfilling lifestyle, where the individual values small yet significant pleasures. A small house symbolizes comfort and simplicity, while a large garden represents a connection with nature. The mention of friends emphasizes the importance of relationships, and the countless true books signifies a quest for wisdom and learning, suggesting that happiness can be found in the richness of lifeβs simple joys rather than in material wealth.
Themes
HappinessSimplicityNatureFriendsKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of mindfulness and appreciating small joys in life.
More from Abraham Cowley
All quotes βAh! Wretched and too solitary he who loves not his own company.
Abraham CowleyRead
Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise,_x000D_ _x000D_ He who defers this work from day to day,_x000D_ _x000D_ Does on a river's bank expecting stay,_x000D_ _x000D_ Till the whole stream, which stopped him, should be gone,_x000D_ _x000D_ That runs, and as it runs, for ever will run on.
Abraham CowleyRead
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