Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
Whilst my physicians by their love are grown Cosmographers, and I their map, who lie Flat on this bed.
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.
More from John Donne
All quotes βReason 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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