Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
Men are admitted into heaven not because they have curbed and governed their passions or have no passions, but because they have cultivated their understandings. The treasures of heaven are not negations of passion, but realities of intellect, from which all the passions emanate uncurbed in their eternal glory.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that true enlightenment comes from understanding rather than suppressing one's passions.
William Blake suggests that entry into heaven is not based on the control of one's desires, but rather on the cultivation of the intellect. He believes that the treasures of heaven arise from a deep knowledge and understanding, allowing passions to flourish in a way that is harmonious and uninhibited, highlighting the importance of intellect over mere emotional restraint.
Themes
UnderstandingPassionIntellectHeavenKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of education, one might say this quote to highlight the role of knowledge in personal development.
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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