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Sin is too stupid to see beyond itself.
Alfred Lord Tennyson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that sin is fundamentally short-sighted and cannot recognize the broader consequences of its actions.

Alfred Lord Tennyson's quote implies that sin is a self-centered and foolish act that lacks the ability to perceive the greater implications of its existence. This self-absorption prevents a full understanding of how actions can lead to wider moral or existential consequences, highlighting the inherent blindness of immoral behavior.

Themes

SinSelfishnessConsequencesMoralityShort-Sightedness

In practice

Example use cases

During a talk on ethics, one could use this quote to emphasize the foolishness of selfish actions.

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But thy strong Hours indignant work’d their wills, And beat me down and marr’d and wasted me, And tho’ they could not end me, left me maim’d To dwell in presence of immortal youth, Immortal age beside immortal youth, And all I was, in ashes. - Tithonus
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