Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
There is nothing that God hath established in a constant course of nature, and which therefore is done every day, but would seem a Miracle, and exercise our admiration, if it were done but once.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everyday occurrences are miraculous when viewed with wonder and admiration.
John Donne's quote reflects on the nature of miracles and how our perception shapes their significance. He suggests that the regularity of natural phenomena can dull our appreciation for them; yet, if they were to occur only once, they would inspire awe and consideration, highlighting the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Themes
MiracleNatureAdmirationPerceptionOrdinary
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about appreciating life, you could say, 'As John Donne reminds us, every day is filled with miracles if we take the time to notice.'
More from John Donne
All quotes →Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right, By these we reach divinity
John DonneRead
All occasions invite His mercies, and all times are His seasons.
John DonneRead
If poisonous minerals, and if that tree, Whose fruit threw death on else immortal us, If lecherous goats, if serpents envious Cannot be damned; alas; why should I be?
John DonneRead
Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
John DonneRead
I call not that virginity a virtue, which resideth onely in the bodies integrity; much less if it be with a purpose of perpetually keeping it: for then it is a most inhumane vice. - But I call that Virginity a virtue which is willing and desirous to yield it self upon honest and lawfull terms, when just reason requireth; and until then, is kept with a modest chastity of body and mind.
John DonneRead
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