In courtesy I'd have her chiefly learned; Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned By those that are not entirely beautiful; Yet many, that have played the fool For beauty's very self, has charm made wise. And many a poor man that has roved, Loved and thought himself beloved, From a glad kindness cannot take his eyes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Yeats argues that character and courtesy are earned through effort rather than given as gifts, though beauty can sometimes hide foolishness.
- In plain terms
- Good hearts are earned not given, and beauty isn't always wisdom.
- What can you take from it?
- True worth comes from effort and kindness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you value most in people?
- Is beauty deceptive?
Another view
It may undervalue innate qualities.
More from William Butler Yeats
It's certain that fine women eat A crazy salad with their meat Whereby the Horn of plenty is undone.
Permalink to quote #96 May she become a flourishing hidden tree That all her thoughts may like the linnet be, And have no business but dispensing round Their magnanimities of sound, …
Permalink to quote #98 May she be granted beauty and yet not Beauty to make a stranger's eye distraught, Or hers before a looking-glass, for such, Being made beautiful overmuch, Cons…
Permalink to quote #95
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