I saw within Its depth how It conceives_x000D_ _x000D_ All things in a single volume bound by Love_x000D_ _x000D_ of which the universe is the scattered leaves.
Dante AlighieriRead
The devil is not as black as he is painted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Appearances can be deceiving and often exaggerate the flaws of others.
This quote suggests that the negative perceptions we have of someone or something may be exaggerated, and that reality might hold more complexity than the initial impression indicates. It encourages us to look beyond superficial judgments and to recognize that individuals or circumstances often contain both good and bad aspects that may not be immediately visible.
Themes
PerceptionAppearanceJudgmentDeceptionComplexity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal issues, one might use this quote to emphasize that people's actions and motivations are often misunderstood.
More from Dante Alighieri
All quotes βBefore me things created were none, save things Eternal, and eternal I endure. All hope abandon, ye who enter here.
Dante AlighieriRead
The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.
Dante AlighieriRead
Heaven wheels above you, displaying to you her eternal glories, and still your eyes are on the ground.
Dante AlighieriRead
Pride, envy, avarice - these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.
Dante AlighieriRead
Thus you may understand that love alone is the true seed of every merit in you, and of all acts for which you must atone.
Dante AlighieriRead
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