If two lives join, there is oft a scar. They are one and one, with a shadowy third; One near one is too far.
Robert BrowningRead
Where the apple reddens never pry - lest we lose our Edens, Eve and I.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the delicate nature of paradise and the consequences of curiosity.
Robert Browning's quote suggests that some things, like paradise or innocence, are best left untouched. The mention of 'prying' implies that curiosity can lead to the loss of beauty and innocence, as represented by 'Eden'. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential fallout from venturing too far into the unknown.
Themes
ParadiseInnocenceCuriosityLossBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the dangers of curiosity in a literary context.
More from Robert Browning
All quotes βTis Man's to explore up and down, inch by inch, with the taper his reason.
Robert BrowningRead
I think, am sure, a brother's love exceeds_x000D_ _x000D_ All the world's loves in its unworldliness.
Robert BrowningRead
I dare not so honor my mere wishes and prayers as to put them for a moment beside your noble acts; but this know, I would rather submit to the worst of deaths, so far as pain goes, than have a single dog or cat tortured on the pretence of sparing me a twinge or two.
Robert BrowningRead
How well I know what I mean to do When the long dark Autumn evenings come, And where, my soul, is thy pleasant hue? With the music of all thy voices, dumb In lifeβs November too! I shall be found by the fire, suppose, Oβer a great wise book as beseemeth age, While the shutters flap as the cross-wind blows, And I turn the page, and I turn the page, Not verse now, only prose!
Robert BrowningRead
How good is life, the mere living!
Robert BrowningRead
Similar quotes
Scenery is fine - but human nature is finer.
John KeatsRead
To be sure I must; and therefore I may assume that your silence gives consent.
PlatoRead
It is my experience that the world itself has a role to play in our liberation. Its very pressures, pains, and risks can wake us up -release us from the bonds of ego and guide us home to our vast true nature.
Joanna MacyRead
Everyone is a reactionary about subjects he understands.
Robert ConquestRead
The generation of mankind is like the generation of leaves. The wind scatters the leaves on the ground, but the living tree burgeons with leaves again in the spring.
HomerRead
I think that if there are positions that you can't argue... then the responsibility is probably to resign. If one's own conscience is opposed to the requirements and responsibilities of the job, then it's time to leave the job.
Elena KaganRead