Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
All things are subject to decay and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everything in life deteriorates, and even those in power must ultimately face their mortality and fate.
This quote by John Dryden reflects the inevitability of decay and the transient nature of power and life. It underscores that regardless of one's status—be it a monarch or an everyday person—eventual decline and death are universal truths. The lines evoke a sense of humility, reminding us that we are all subject to the same forces of nature and fate.
Themes
DecayFateMortalityPowerHumility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the impermanence of life during a memorial service.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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