When nations grow old, the Arts grow cold, And Commerce settles on every tree.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blake suggests declining nations lose artistic warmth to commerce.
- In plain terms
- Old nations lose art and gain business.
- What can you take from it?
- Commerce often replaces art in aging societies.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What signals national decline?
- How do arts affect economies?
Another view
Commerce can fund the arts.
More from William Blake
When a Man has Married a Wife He finds out whether Her Knees & elbows are only glued together.
Permalink to quote #11 Fiery the Angels rose, and as they rose deep thunder roll'd Around their shores: indignant burning with the fires of Orc.
Permalink to quote #13 The Foundation of Empire is Art & Science Remove them or Degrade them & the Empire is No More-Empire follows Art & Not Vice Versa as Englishmen suppose.
Permalink to quote #10
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