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Drink not the third glass, which thou canst not tame, when once it is within thee.
George Herbert
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Avoid excessive indulgence that can lead to loss of control.

This quote by George Herbert serves as a warning against overindulgence, specifically in the context of drinking. It emphasizes that once you lose control over your desires or actions, it becomes difficult to regain mastery, suggesting that moderation is key to maintaining one's discipline and well-being.

Themes

ModerationControlIndulgenceDrinkingWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

A parent might use this quote to caution their children about responsible drinking.

More from George Herbert

Bells call others, but themselves enter not into the Church.
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The wine in the bottle does not quench thirst.
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Living well is the best revenge.
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Be not too presumptuously sure in any business; for things of this world depend on such a train of unseen chances that if it were in man's hands to set the tables, still he would not be certain to win the game.
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There is an hour wherein a man might be happy all his life, could he find it.
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For want of a naile the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost.
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