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About this quote

What does it mean?
Compares farming and philosophy as retreats.
In plain terms
Farming retreats from the city; philosophy from the world.
What can you take from it?
Different paths offer escape from society.

Where it applies

  • career choice
  • philosophical debate
  • lifestyle design

Putting it to work

  • essay
  • personal choice
  • advice

Questions to consider

  • What does withdrawal mean to you?
  • Which path appeals?

Another view

Both can still involve deep social engagement.

More from Abraham Cowley

  1. Why to mute fish should'st thou thyself discover And not to me, they no less silent lover?

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  2. What shall I do to be forever known, And make the age to come my own?

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. Fond archer, Hope! who tak'st thy aim so far, That still or short, or wide thine arrows are!

    Permalink to quote #1

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