I'm truly sorry man's dominion Has broken Nature's social union.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker regrets that human control over nature has disrupted the natural harmony.
- In plain terms
- Humans have harmed the natural world through domination.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect nature instead of trying to control it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does human ambition affect nature?
- What responsibility do we have to the natural world?
Another view
It offers critique without suggesting concrete solutions.
More from Robert Burns
Wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie, O, what a panic's in thy breastie! Thou need na start awa sae hasty, Wi' bickering brattle!
Permalink to quote #2 The best laid schemes o' mice and men Gang aft a-gley; And leave us naught but grief and pain For promised joy.
Permalink to quote #4 Beauty's of a fading nature Has a season and is gone!
Permalink to quote #1
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