Ah cannot we As well as cocks and lions jocund be, After such pleasures?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Donne questions if humans should celebrate after experiencing great pleasures like animals do.
- In plain terms
- Can we be happy after pleasure just like animals?
- What can you take from it?
- Humans can enjoy joy without losing their dignity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is joy incompatible with reason?
- What makes human joy different?
Another view
It assumes humans and animals share the same capacity for pure joy.
More from John Donne
Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls; For, thus friends absent speak.
Permalink to quote #43 So, so, break off this last lamenting kiss, Which sucks two souls, and vapors both away.
Permalink to quote #41 And new philosophy calls all in doubt, The element of fire is quite put out; The sun is lost, and the earth, and no man's wit, Can well direct him where to loo…
Permalink to quote #44
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