Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
But I do nothing upon myself, and yet I am my own executioner.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the internal conflict of self-destructive thoughts and actions despite a desire for autonomy.
In this quote, John Donne explores the paradox of self-governance and self-destruction. He suggests that while he does not actively impose actions upon himself, he is still responsible for his own demise—implying that our thoughts and inaction can lead us to ruin. This introspection reveals the complexity of human existence, where we grapple with internal battles that can ultimately undermine our well-being.
Themes
Self-DestructionResponsibilityInternal ConflictAutonomyParadox
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about mental health, one might use this quote to illustrate how our thoughts can impact our actions.
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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