Love is a boy, by poets styled, Then spare the rod and spoil the child.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote suggests love needs discipline like a child.
- In plain terms
- You must discipline love or it will spoil.
- What can you take from it?
- Discipline is necessary even for love.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is discipline a sign of love?
- How much freedom is too much?
Another view
Excessive discipline can harm affection.
More from Samuel Butler
To swallow gudgeons ere they're catched, And count their chickens ere they're hatched.
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