Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
The lamb misused breeds public strife And yet forgives the butcher's knife.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea of forgiveness and the consequences of conflict.
In this quote, William Blake uses the metaphor of a lamb, representing innocence, that suffers due to the misuse of its gentle nature by others, leading to social discord. Despite such mistreatment, the lamb embodies forgiveness towards those who cause it harm, illustrating a profound commentary on the cycle of violence and the possibility of reconciliation even in the face of injustice.
Themes
ForgivenessInnocenceViolenceConflictReconciliation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a discussion about the importance of forgiveness in resolving conflicts.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
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Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
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As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
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He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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