Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
Abstinence sows sand all over The ruddy limbs and flaming hair, But desire gratified Plants fruits of life and beauty there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Desire fulfilled leads to beauty and vitality, while abstinence leads to a barren existence.
William Blake suggests that while abstaining from desire may lead to a dry and lifeless state, embracing and fulfilling desires can lead to the flourishing of beauty and richness in life. It illustrates the duality of desire, portraying how it can be both a driving force for vitality and a source of aesthetic beauty when gratified.
Themes
DesireAbstinenceBeautyLifeFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about the importance of following one's passions and desires.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn 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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