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About this quote

What does it mean?
Blake says that what is grand is obscure to weak people, and anything made explicit for the stupid is not worth his concern.
In plain terms
Great things are hidden from the weak; simplifying them for the stupid is unimportant.
What can you take from it?
Value complexity and avoid over‑simplification.

Where it applies

  • education
  • art criticism

Putting it to work

  • challenge audiences
  • preserve depth

Questions to consider

  • Is complexity inherently valuable?
  • How can we balance depth with clarity?

Another view

It dismisses the need for accessible communication.

More from William Blake

  1. When the stars threw down their spears, And water'd heaven with their tears, Did he smile his work to see? Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

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  2. But Want of Money & the Distress of A Thief can never be alleged as the Cause of his Thieving, for many honest people endure greater hard ships with Fortitude.…

    Permalink to quote #115
  3. In what distant deeps or skies Burnt the fire of thine eyes? On what wings dare he aspire? What the hand dare seize the fire?

    Permalink to quote #112

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