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
Of all the tyrannies on human kind the worst is that which persecutes the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The greatest oppression is that which restricts intellectual freedom.
John Dryden highlights that the most destructive form of tyranny is the one that attacks and suppresses the human mind, as it limits creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. Such mental oppression not only affects individuals but also impedes societal progress and the advancement of ideas, making it far more insidious than physical tyranny.
Themes
TyrannyMindOppressionIntellectual FreedomThought
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of education, one might use this quote to emphasize the value of intellectual freedom.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf 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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