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About this quote

What does it mean?
Links civilization's origin to sin.
In plain terms
God made gardens, Cain made cities.
What can you take from it?
Civilization stems from human fallibility.

Where it applies

  • political critique
  • philosophical debate
  • environmentalism

Putting it to work

  • essay opening
  • social commentary
  • critique of progress

Questions to consider

  • Is progress inherently flawed?
  • Can cities be redemptive?

Another view

Cities also foster art, science, and community.

More from Abraham Cowley

  1. The fairest garden in her looks, And in her mind the wisest books.

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. Hence, ye profane! I hate ye all, Both the great vulgar and the small.

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Let but thy wicked men from out thee go, And all the fools that crowd thee so, Even thou, who dost thy millions boast, A village less than Islington wilt grow,…

    Permalink to quote #17

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