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About this quote

What does it mean?
Art and prophecy suggest that future generations will achieve more than past empires like Rome.
In plain terms
Poets say future people will be stronger than past rulers.
What can you take from it?
Creative vision points to future progress.

Where it applies

  • inspiration
  • historical comparison
  • ambition

Putting it to work

  • trust art
  • aim high
  • value legacy

Questions to consider

  • Will future be better?
  • What art inspires you?

Another view

History is not always linear progress.

More from William Cowper

  1. True Charity, a plant divinely nurs'd.

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  2. Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng: With gent…

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  3. Fate steals along with silent tread, Found oftenest in what least we dread, Frowns in the storm with angry brow, But in the sunshine strikes the blow.

    Permalink to quote #4

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