If two lives join, there is oft a scar. They are one and one, with a shadowy third; One near one is too far.
Robert BrowningRead
It 's wiser being good than bad; It 's safer being meek than fierce; It 's fitter being sane than mad. My own hope is, a sun will pierce The thickest cloud earth ever stretched; That after Last returns the First, Though a wide compass round be fetched.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that it is preferable to be virtuous, gentle, and rational, with a hope for enlightenment amidst darkness.
This quote by Robert Browning emphasizes the value of goodness, humility, and sanity in life. It contrasts these positive traits against their opposites—being bad, fierce, or mad—suggesting that the former are not only wiser but also safer and more appropriate for living harmoniously. The latter part of the quote expresses an optimistic belief that even in difficult times, enlightenment and clarity will eventually prevail, akin to a sun breaking through clouds. Thus, it encourages individuals to aspire toward positive qualities while holding onto hope for brighter days ahead.
Themes
WisdomGoodnessHumilityHopeClaritySanity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech about the importance of moral integrity.
More from Robert Browning
All quotes →Tis Man's to explore up and down, inch by inch, with the taper his reason.
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I think, am sure, a brother's love exceeds_x000D_ _x000D_ All the world's loves in its unworldliness.
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I dare not so honor my mere wishes and prayers as to put them for a moment beside your noble acts; but this know, I would rather submit to the worst of deaths, so far as pain goes, than have a single dog or cat tortured on the pretence of sparing me a twinge or two.
Robert BrowningRead
How well I know what I mean to do When the long dark Autumn evenings come, And where, my soul, is thy pleasant hue? With the music of all thy voices, dumb In life’s November too! I shall be found by the fire, suppose, O’er a great wise book as beseemeth age, While the shutters flap as the cross-wind blows, And I turn the page, and I turn the page, Not verse now, only prose!
Robert BrowningRead
How good is life, the mere living!
Robert BrowningRead
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