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This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people.
Walt Whitman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Love and care for the world and its inhabitants, while rejecting materialism and advocating for kindness and support for others.

Walt Whitman's quote encourages individuals to embrace a life centered around love and compassion for nature, humanity, and the less fortunate. He suggests that material wealth should be despised in favor of generosity and support for those in need, advocating for a life of purpose driven by altruism and understanding rather than judgment and greed.

Themes

LoveEarthCompassionGenerosityMaterialismPatience

In practice

Example use cases

During Earth Day celebrations, this quote can inspire people to focus on environmental stewardship.

More from Walt Whitman

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And whoever walks a furlong without sympathy walks to his own funeral drest in his shroud.
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