Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or die.
Robert BurnsRead
Their sighing, canting, grace-proud faces, their three-mile prayers, and half-mile graces.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques superficial displays of piety and the insincerity of certain religious practices.
In this quote, Robert Burns expresses skepticism towards the outward expressions of religious devotion. He observes that some people engage in lengthy, ostentatious prayers and rituals, suggesting that their faith is more about appearances than genuine spirituality. The imagery of 'sighing, canting, and grace-proud faces' implies a sense of hypocrisy in those who prioritize form over substance in their practice of faith.
Themes
HypocrisyReligionFaithSuperficialitySpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about the authenticity of religious practices, this quote can highlight the difference between true faith and mere performance.
More from Robert Burns
All quotes βI'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union.
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Love's first snow-drop, virgin kiss.
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All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn.
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Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min?
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Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase 'Auld Lang Syne' exceedingly expressive? I shall give you the verses on the other sheet. The words of 'Auld Lang Syne' are good, but the music is an old air, the rudiments of the modern tune of that name. ... Dare to be honest and fear no labor. ... Opera is where a man gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. ... Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure thrill the deepest notes of woe. ... Critics! Those cut-throat bandits in the paths of fame.
Robert BurnsRead
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