What law, what reason can deny that gift so sweet, so natural that God has given a stream, a fish, a beast, a bird?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Calderon argues that natural gifts like food and resources from God are inherently right to enjoy.
- In plain terms
- God gave us natural things, so we can enjoy them.
- What can you take from it?
- Natural resources and joys are meant to be enjoyed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What gifts do you feel entitled to enjoy?
- Where do you draw limits on use?
Another view
Some may argue natural gifts require stewardship, not just enjoyment.
More from Pedro Calderon de la Barca
'Tis not where we lie, but whence we fell; The loss of heaven's the greatest pain in hell.
Permalink to quote #10 One may know how to gain a victory, and know not how to use it.
Permalink to quote #9 Love that is not madness is not love.
Permalink to quote #8
Related quotes
Woodman, spare that tree! Touch not a single bough! In youth it sheltered me, And I 'll protect it now.
George Pope MorrisGeorge Pope Morris quote #1 Crowds of bees are giddy with clover Crowds of grasshoppers skip at our feet, Crowds of larks at their matins hang over, Thanking the Lord for a life so sweet.
Jean IngelowJean Ingelow quote #2 The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.
Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson quote #4