Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
If I lose at play, I blaspheme; if my fellow loses, he blasphemes. So, God is always the loser.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on human nature and perspective in both winning and losing, suggesting that we often blame higher powers for our misfortunes.
John Donne's quote explores the idea that in the context of games or competitions, individuals often project their frustrations and disappointments onto a divine figure, ultimately suggesting that God bears the burden of humanity's losses. It highlights a deep philosophical reflection on the nature of blame and the human inclination to seek meaning or fault in external forces, especially when faced with failure or defeat.
Themes
BlameLossHuman NatureDivinePerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about competition and personal failure.
More from John Donne
All quotes βReason 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?
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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.
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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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