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About this quote

What does it mean?
Something is too beautiful to worship and too divine to love, placing it beyond ordinary reverence.
In plain terms
It is too perfect for worship or love.
What can you take from it?
Extreme beauty can feel unattainable.

Where it applies

  • philosophical debate
  • aesthetic criticism

Putting it to work

  • discussing unattainable ideals
  • examining reverence

Questions to consider

  • Why might something be too perfect for worship?
  • Does divinity exclude love?

Another view

The statement is contradictory and may be seen as vague.

More from Henry Hart Milman

  1. And the cold marble leapt to life a god.

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