We ought not to extract pernicious honey from poison blossoms of misrepresentation and mendacious half-truth, to pamper the course appetite of bigotry and self-love.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Swans sing before they die - 'twere no bad thing should certain persons die before they sing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that some individuals should express themselves or share their true feelings before facing mortality.
In this quote, Coleridge reflects on the idea that swans sing beautifully just before they die, signifying the importance of expression and closure. The latter part hints at the notion that some individuals, who may not contribute positively or meaningfully, would benefit from expressing their thoughts and emotions before their time comes, thereby advocating for authenticity and meaningful expression in life.
Themes
ExpressionMortalityAuthenticityClosure
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of expressing one's feelings in relationships.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes βCommon sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread, For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Mr. Lyell's system of geology is just half the truth, and no more. He affirms a great deal that is true, and he denies a great deal which is equally true; which is the general characteristic of all systems not embracing the whole truth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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