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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author argues that excessive decoration or art can make something dangerous more harmful.
In plain terms
Adding too much art to something is like making a weapon deadlier.
What can you take from it?
Beauty can hide or increase danger.

Where it applies

  • critiquing culture
  • evaluating risks

Putting it to work

  • questioning surface beauty
  • assessing hidden motives

Questions to consider

  • Can beauty ever be harmful?
  • When does style overshadow substance?

Another view

It assumes art is inherently manipulative rather than expressive.

More from Abraham Cowley

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  2. Nothing is there to come, and nothing past, But an eternal now does always last.

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  3. A mighty pain to love it is, And 't is a pain that pain to miss; But of all pains, the greatest pain It is to love, but love in vain.

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