Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Fool that I was, upon my eagle's wings I bore this wren, till I was tired with soaring, and now he mounts above me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the folly of elevating someone or something beyond oneself, only to be outdone later.
In this quote, John Dryden expresses the regret of raising someone of lesser stature ('the wren') to a position of greatness ('upon my eagle's wings'), only to find that this lesser being has now surpassed him. It serves as a metaphor for the consequences of misplaced trust or the dangers of enabling those who might outshine us, prompting reflection on ambition, support, and the dynamics of power.
Themes
FollyAmbitionRegretPowerSupport
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about mentorship and the risks of empowering a protege, this quote could be reflective.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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