We ought not to extract pernicious honey from poison blossoms of misrepresentation and mendacious half-truth, to pamper the course appetite of bigotry and self-love.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that gentle, considerate advice is more impactful and lasting than forceful, harsh advice.
Coleridge's analogy compares advice to snow, implying that the manner in which advice is given can affect its acceptance and retention. Softer, more compassionate advice tends to be more deeply absorbed and contemplated, leading to a stronger and more enduring impact on the recipient's thoughts and actions.
Themes
AdviceSnowImpactGentlenessWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational talk about leadership, someone might reference this quote to highlight the importance of providing constructive and gentle feedback.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes βCommon sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
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And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread, For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.
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Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
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Mr. Lyell's system of geology is just half the truth, and no more. He affirms a great deal that is true, and he denies a great deal which is equally true; which is the general characteristic of all systems not embracing the whole truth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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