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About this quote

What does it mean?
Blake describes the trauma of a brother's starvation within city walls. The quote emphasizes the emotional impact of witnessing poverty in one's own community.
In plain terms
Seeing a neighbor starve in your city deeply hurts the soul.
What can you take from it?
Let the suffering of neighbors move you to act.

Where it applies

  • community service
  • personal reflection
  • advocacy

Putting it to work

  • feel the pain
  • support neighbors
  • fight neglect

Questions to consider

  • Who around you is suffering?
  • What is your responsibility?

Another view

Individuals cannot solve systemic issues alone.

More from William Blake

  1. 'I die, I die!' the Mother said, 'My children die for lack of Bread.'

    Permalink to quote #153
  2. The iron hand crush'd the Tyrant's head And became a Tyrant in his stead.

    Permalink to quote #155
  3. I am sure this Jesus will not do Either for Englishman or Jew.

    Permalink to quote #152

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