Burn all the statutes and their shelves: They stir us up against our kind; And worse, against ourselves.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Laws and statutes can create conflict among people and even within ourselves.
- In plain terms
- Laws sometimes cause fighting between people and inside our own minds.
- What can you take from it?
- Rules can create division where unity is needed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have rules caused more harm than good?
- How do you balance order and freedom?
Another view
Laws are often necessary to maintain order and safety.
More from William Wordsworth
Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave; Forgive me if the phrase be strong;- A Poet worthy of Rob Roy Must scorn a timid song.
Permalink to quote #138 The good old rule Sufficeth them, the simple plan, That they should take, who have the power, And they should keep who can.
Permalink to quote #140 I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more.
Permalink to quote #137
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