I saw within Its depth how It conceives_x000D_ _x000D_ All things in a single volume bound by Love_x000D_ _x000D_ of which the universe is the scattered leaves.
You shall find out how salt is the taste of another man's bread, and how hard is the way up and down another man's stairs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that we often overlook the struggles and hardships others face.
In this quote, Dante Alighieri emphasizes the inherent challenges and emotional experiences that individuals face in their lives. The phrase 'how salt is the taste of another man's bread' suggests that we often take for granted the difficulties others endure while navigating their own struggles, much like the arduous path encountered in 'another man's stairs'. It serves as a reminder to empathize with others and recognize the unseen burdens they carry.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming challenges, you might say, 'As Dante Alighieri noted, we must realize how hard the way is for others as we strive for our own success.'
More from Dante Alighieri
All quotes βBefore me things created were none, save things Eternal, and eternal I endure. All hope abandon, ye who enter here.
The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.
Heaven wheels above you, displaying to you her eternal glories, and still your eyes are on the ground.
Pride, envy, avarice - these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.
Thus you may understand that love alone is the true seed of every merit in you, and of all acts for which you must atone.
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However much I have frequented the mystics, deep down I have always sided with the Devil; unable to equal him in power, I have tried to be worthy of him, at least, in insolence, acrimony, arbitrariness and caprice.
I tell my children what I think myself: That religion is not necessarily convincing, but it is still interesting and not to be laughed at or denigrated.