Progress, man's distinctive mark alone, Not God's, and not the beasts': God is, they are, Man partly is and wholly hopes to be.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Progress distinguishes humans, who exist partially but hope fully.
- In plain terms
- Humans are unique because they hope to be more than they are.
- What can you take from it?
- Human identity is defined by hope and the drive to progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you what you are or what you hope to be?
- Is progress the mark of humanity?
Another view
Hope can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction with the present.
More from Robert Browning
What of soul was left, I wonder, when the kissing had to stop?
Permalink to quote #32 Our interest's on the dangerous edge of things. The honest thief, the tender murderer, The superstitious atheist.
Permalink to quote #34 I count life just a stuff To try the soul's strength on.
Permalink to quote #31
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