Wouldst have the princely spirit bowed? Whisper only, speak not loud, Mark and leave him in the crowd. Thou need'st not spies nor jailers have; The free will serve thee like the slave, Coward shrinking from the brave.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A noble spirit should not be forced into submission; true freedom comes from within, not from coercion.
- In plain terms
- A noble spirit resists being forced to bow.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect inner freedom rather than imposing control.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we recognize when guidance becomes oppression?
- What role does discipline play in freedom?
Another view
Some situations legitimately require authority for safety.
More from Margaret Fuller
On the boundless plain careering By an unseen compass steering, Wildly flying, reappearing, - With untamed fire their broad eyes glowing In every step a grand …
Permalink to quote #64 With equal sweetness the commissioned hours Shed light and dew upon both weeds and flowers. The weeds unthankful raise their vile heads high, Flaunting back in…
Permalink to quote #66 Guard thee from the power of evil; Who cannot trust, vows to the devil.
Permalink to quote #63
Related quotes
Nullius addictus iurare in verba magistri, quo me cumque rapit tempestas, deferor hospes.
HoraceHorace quote #18 What you shun enduring yourself, attempt not to impose on others. You shun slavery-beware of enslaving others! If you can endure to do that, one would think yo…
EpictetusEpictetus quote #38 Power always sincerely, conscientiously, de tres bon foi, believes itself right. Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views, beyond the comprehensi…
John AdamsJohn Adams quote #42