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About this quote

What does it mean?
Newton laments the trouble caused by a diamond, addressing it as if it could understand.
In plain terms
Diamond, you have caused mischief!
What can you take from it?
Even beautiful things can bring trouble.

Where it applies

  • valuing precious objects
  • dealing with unintended consequences

Putting it to work

  • be cautious with valuable items

Questions to consider

  • What does the diamond symbolize?
  • How can beauty lead to problems?

Another view

The line may be metaphorical, not literal.

More from Isaac Newton

  1. I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in now and then …

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  2. By always thinking unto them. ... I keep the subject constantly before me and wait till the first dawnings open little by little into the full light.

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. I have studied these things - you have not.

    Permalink to quote #6

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