The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits;- on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Nature, with equal mind, Sees all her sons at play, Sees man control the wind, The wind sweep man away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nature views all beings equally, showing the balance of control and vulnerability in life.
In this quote, Matthew Arnold reflects on the relationship between humanity and nature, illustrating that while humans may think they have dominion over the elements, they are ultimately subject to the whims of nature. The imagery of 'man control the wind' suggests human ambition and power, while 'the wind sweep man away' serves as a reminder of nature's unpredictable and overwhelming strength, highlighting the inherent balance in existence.
Themes
NatureBalanceControlVulnerabilityHumility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about environmental awareness.
More from Matthew Arnold
All quotes βAnd each day brings it's pretty dust, Our soon-choked souls to fll And we forget because we must, And not because we will.
Matthew ArnoldRead
It is almost impossible to exaggerate the proneness of the human mind to take miracles as evidence, and to seek for miracles as evidence.
Matthew ArnoldRead
To have the sense of creative activity is the great happiness and the great proof of being alive.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Culture, the acquainting ourselves with the best that has been known and said in the world, and thus with the history of the human spirit.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Weary of myself, and sick of asking What I am, and what I ought to be, At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.
Matthew ArnoldRead
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