But man is a Noble Animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave, solemnizing Nativities and Deaths with equal lustre, nor omitting Ceremonies of Bravery, in the infamy of his nature.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans seek dignity and ritual even in death, masking their flaws with ceremony.
- In plain terms
- People honor birth and death with pride to hide their faults.
- What can you take from it?
- Ceremony often covers human weakness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do rituals honor life or hide fear?
- Is dignity real or performative?
Another view
It implies all human ceremony is rooted in vanity.
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