And boys, be in nothing so moderate as in love of man, a clever servant, insufferable master. There is the trap that catches noblest spirits, that caught - they say - God, when he walked on earth.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jeffers warns that love for humanity can become a trap, acting as a master that corrupts even noble spirits or divine beings.
- In plain terms
- Caring too much for people can become a dangerous obsession.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid making love of mankind a source of control or trap.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does love become a trap?
- What is too much devotion?
Another view
Many find purpose and virtue in dedicated service to humanity.
More from Robinson Jeffers
Corruption never has been compulsory; when the cities lie at the monster's feet there are left the mountains.
Permalink to quote #18 The world's in a bad way, my man, And bound to be worse before it mends; Better lie up in the mountain here Four or five centuries, While the stars go over the…
Permalink to quote #20 Meteors are not needed less than mountains: shine, perishing republic.
Permalink to quote #17
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