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About this quote

What does it mean?
People follow rigid duty despite nature's freedom.
In plain terms
We work hard even when nature says relax.
What can you take from it?
Notice your duties vs nature.

Where it applies

  • work life
  • spiritual struggle

Putting it to work

  • balance work and rest

Questions to consider

  • Do you bow to a must?

Another view

It assumes nature is free while society is not.

More from E. E. Cummings

  1. the cunning the craven : they live for until though the sun in his heaven says Now

    Permalink to quote #75
  2. without any doubt he was whatever(first and last) most people fear most: a mystery for which iv'e no word except alive

    Permalink to quote #77
  3. they flock and they flee through the thunder of seem though the stars in their silence say Be.

    Permalink to quote #74

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