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The Whole Business of Man is The Arts, & All Things Common.
William Blake
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that life's essence revolves around the arts and the shared experiences of humanity.

William Blake's quote reflects the idea that the primary purpose of humanity is expressed through artistic endeavors and the collective experiences that bind us as a society. By emphasizing 'the arts,' Blake highlights the importance of creativity, imagination, and expression in understanding and navigating the human condition, while 'all things common' points to the shared values and experiences that connect individuals beyond societal boundaries.

Themes

ArtHumanityCreativityExpressionCommonality

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the importance of creativity in education, you might quote Blake to emphasize the significance of arts.

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Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
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In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
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Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
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As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
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He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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