When my mouth shall be filled with dust, and the worm shall feed, and feed sweetly upon me, when the ambitious man shall have no satisfaction if the poorest alive tread upon him, nor the poorest receive any contentment in being made equal to princes, for they shall be equal but in dust.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker reflects on how death equalizes all people regardless of status in life.
- In plain terms
- Rich and poor are all the same in the end because everyone turns to dust.
- What can you take from it?
- Death is the great equalizer among all humans.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does knowing you will die change your actions?
- Is status important if it ends?
Another view
It can seem to negate the value of worldly achievements entirely.
More from John Donne
Whilst my physicians by their love are grown Cosmographers, and their map, who lie Flat on this bed.
Permalink to quote #47 Absence, hear thou my protestation Against thy strength, Distance, and length; Do what thou canst for alteration
Permalink to quote #49 Since I am coming to that holy room, Where, with thy choir of saints forevermore, I shall be made thy music; as I come I tune the instrument here at the door, …
Permalink to quote #46
Related quotes
I come without five lire. I want to leave without five lire.
John Paul I (Pope)John Paul I (Pope) quote #1 Death's a debt; his mandamus binds all alike-no bail, no demurrer.
Richard Brinsley SheridanRichard Brinsley Sheridan quote #2 There is little pride in writers. They know they are human and shall some day die and be forgotten. Knowing all this a writer is gentle and kindly where anothe…
William SaroyanWilliam Saroyan quote #8