Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Secret guilt is by silence revealed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hidden feelings of guilt often become apparent through silence.
This quote suggests that unspoken guilt can manifest itself in various ways, particularly through our actions or lack of communication. When someone feels guilty yet chooses not to express it verbally, their internal conflict may surface through their demeanor or emotional state, eventually revealing their true feelings despite their silence.
Themes
GuiltSilenceFeelingsCommunicationTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one might use this quote to illustrate how unexpressed feelings can affect well-being.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
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John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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