Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
Prisons are built with stones of Law. Brothels with the bricks of religion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques how societal constructs like law and religion shape human institutions, both positive and negative.
William Blake's quote highlights the paradoxical nature of human constructs. He suggests that while law is foundational for creating order and stability, it can also be oppressive like a prison, whereas religion, though often seen as purifying, can lead to exploitation and moral compromise, akin to a brothel. This statement prompts reflection on the dual nature of societal institutions and how they can be both protective and restrictive.
Themes
LawReligionSocietyInstitutionsPhilosophyOrderOppression
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about the role of law in society, this quote could be used to illustrate the potential harms of rigid legal systems.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
William BlakeRead
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.
William BlakeRead
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.
William BlakeRead
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
William BlakeRead
Similar quotes
The dream of the news is that it makes us care about other people and situations. But we cannot identify with people to whom we haven't been introduced. Humans will only respond to art, to people who are skilled in making you care.
Alain De BottonRead
A place (lieu) is the order (of whatever kind) in accord with which elements are distributed in relationships of coexistence. It thus excludes the possibility of two thing being in the same location (place). The law of the 'proper' rules in the place: the elements taken into consideration are beside one another, each situated in its own 'proper' and distinct location, a location it defines. A place is thus an instantaneous configuration of positions. It implies an indication of stability.
Michel De CerteauRead
The known is finite, the unknown infinite; spiritually we find ourselves on a tiny island in the middle of a boundless ocean of the inexplicable. It is our task, from generation to generation, to drain a small amount of additional land.
Thomas HuxleyRead
The idea of governing at all times by the simple force of law (which we have been told is the only admissible principle of republican government) has no place but in the reveries of those political doctors whose sagacity disdains the admonitions of experimental instruction.
Alexander HamiltonRead
It is well known that in war, the first casualty is truth - that during any war truth is forsaken for propaganda.
Harry BrowneRead
If you find yourself loving any pleasure more than your prayers, any book better than the Bible, any house better than the house of the Lord, any table better than the Lord's table, any persons better than Christ, or any indulgence better than the hope of heaven β be alarmed.
Thomas GuthrieRead