I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
James Russell LowellRead
Evil springs up, and flowers, and bears no seed, And feeds the green earth with its swift decay, Leaving it richer for the growth of truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Evil can lead to positive outcomes by nourishing the earth for future growth and truth.
This quote suggests that while evil may appear transient and self-destructive, it inherently contributes to the cycle of life by enriching the world, allowing for the eventual flourishing of truth and goodness. It highlights the idea that from decay and negativity can spring new growth and understanding, underscoring the interconnectedness of lifeβs trials and triumphs.
Themes
EvilTruthGrowthPhilosophyDecay
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the lessons we learn from past mistakes.
More from James Russell Lowell
All quotes βThe foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.
James Russell LowellRead
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
James Russell LowellRead
Good luck is the willing handmaid of upright, energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.
James Russell LowellRead
Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
James Russell LowellRead
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.
James Russell LowellRead
Similar quotes
I think it is incumbent on anyone who can to lift human dignity to the highest possible levels, maintaining one's own and helping to raise that of others.
Henry RollinsRead
Secrecy is as indispensable to human beings as fire, and as greatly feared.
Sissela BokRead
The need is not to amputate the ego ... but to transcend it.
Norman CousinsRead
Nothing is more painful to the human mind than, after the feelings have been worked up by a quick succession of events, the dead calmness of inaction and certainty which follows and deprives the soul both of hope and fear.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyRead
In short, all things that please the natural man in this world, are, to a true Christian, only so many crosses and temptations, allurements of sin and snares of death, that continually exercise his virtue.
Johann ArndtRead
We do not know what really good or bad fortune is.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead