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Whilst my physicians by their love are grown Cosmographers, and I their map, who lie Flat on this bed.
John Donne
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the deep connection between love and self-understanding, suggesting that love can shape our perception of ourselves and our relationships.

In this quote, John Donne uses the metaphor of being a map to illustrate how his physicians have become like cosmographers through their love and care for him. The essence of love transforms the experience of illness into a journey of self-discovery, where the speaker's vulnerability juxtaposes with the nurturing roles of those around him, highlighting how love can guide and shape a person's understanding of themselves even in times of suffering.

Themes

LoveSelf-DiscoveryCareVulnerabilityRelationships

In practice

Example use cases

In a heartfelt speech at a wedding, where love and care between partners are celebrated.

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Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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