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About this quote

What does it mean?
Waller contrasts earthly knowledge of the blessed with their simple, idealized activities of singing and loving.
In plain terms
We only know heaven involves singing and loving.
What can you take from it?
Simplicity defines the afterlife.

Where it applies

  • philosophical discussion
  • religious reflection

Putting it to work

  • meditation on life
  • spiritual writing

Questions to consider

  • What defines a blessed life?
  • Is simplicity the ultimate goal?

Another view

It reduces complex theological concepts to two simple actions.

More from Edmund Waller

  1. A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. Under the tropic is our language spoke, And part of Flanders hath receiv'd our yoke.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. That eagle's fate and mine are one, Which on the shaft that made him die Espied a feather of his own, Wherewith he wont to soar so high.

    Permalink to quote #16

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