Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in Minute Particulars: general Good is the plea of the scoundrel, hypocrite, and flatterer, for Art and Science cannot exist but in minutely organized Particulars.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Doing good requires attention to the small details rather than broad, vague gestures.
William Blake emphasizes the importance of focusing on the minute details when trying to make a positive impact on others. He critiques those who claim to pursue general good while actually hiding behind superficiality, asserting that true art and science thrive in meticulous and precise attention to particulars. This insight sheds light on the necessity of genuine effort and detail-oriented actions in creating meaningful change.
Themes
GoodnessDetailsPhilosophyChangeAction
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting, I shared this quote to inspire volunteers to pay attention to the details of their projects.
More from William Blake
All quotes →In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
William BlakeRead
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.
William BlakeRead
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.
William BlakeRead
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
William BlakeRead
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