Now a' is done that men can do, And a' is done in vain.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human efforts often end in failure or futility despite best intentions.
- In plain terms
- Everything that can be done has been done but it was useless.
- What can you take from it?
- Effort does not guarantee success or meaning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does effort feel pointless?
- How do we find meaning in failure?
Another view
It offers a pessimistic view without acknowledging resilience.
More from Robert Burns
It was a' for our rightfu' King We left fair Scotland's strand.
Permalink to quote #58 He turn'd him right and round about Upon the Irish shore; And gae his bridle reins a shake, With adieu forevermore, My dear- And adieu forevermore!
Permalink to quote #60 But to see her was to love her; Love but her, and love for ever. Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly, Never met-or never parted, We h…
Permalink to quote #57
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