Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
But he who loveliness within Hath found, all outward loathes, For he who color loves, and skin, Loves but their oldest clothes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True beauty is found within a person, not in their outward appearance.
In this quote, John Donne emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over external appearances. He asserts that those who only appreciate physical qualities are merely attracted to temporary and superficial traits, while the person who recognizes and values the loveliness within transcends these fleeting attractions and finds deeper, more meaningful connections.
Themes
BeautyInner BeautySuperficialLoveAppearance
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about relationships at a seminar.
More from John Donne
All quotes βReason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right, By these we reach divinity
John DonneRead
All occasions invite His mercies, and all times are His seasons.
John DonneRead
If poisonous minerals, and if that tree, Whose fruit threw death on else immortal us, If lecherous goats, if serpents envious Cannot be damned; alas; why should I be?
John DonneRead
Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
John DonneRead
I call not that virginity a virtue, which resideth onely in the bodies integrity; much less if it be with a purpose of perpetually keeping it: for then it is a most inhumane vice. - But I call that Virginity a virtue which is willing and desirous to yield it self upon honest and lawfull terms, when just reason requireth; and until then, is kept with a modest chastity of body and mind.
John DonneRead
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