Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The beauty of autumn is unparalleled and can surpass that of spring or summer.
In this quote, John Donne expresses a profound appreciation for the distinct beauty found in autumn, suggesting that it possesses a grace that is unmatched by the fleeting beauties of spring and summer. This sentiment reflects a deeper understanding of the aging process and the unique qualities that come with maturity and change, celebrating the elegance and richness of life as it transitions.
Themes
AutumnBeautyNatureGraceChange
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a seasonal festival, one might say, 'As John Donne observed, no spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.'
More from John Donne
All quotes →Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right, By these we reach divinity
John DonneRead
All occasions invite His mercies, and all times are His seasons.
John DonneRead
If poisonous minerals, and if that tree, Whose fruit threw death on else immortal us, If lecherous goats, if serpents envious Cannot be damned; alas; why should I be?
John DonneRead
Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
John DonneRead
I call not that virginity a virtue, which resideth onely in the bodies integrity; much less if it be with a purpose of perpetually keeping it: for then it is a most inhumane vice. - But I call that Virginity a virtue which is willing and desirous to yield it self upon honest and lawfull terms, when just reason requireth; and until then, is kept with a modest chastity of body and mind.
John DonneRead
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