A few strong instincts and a few plain rules, Among the herdsmen of the Alps, have wrought More for mankind at this unhappy day Then all the pride of intellect and thought?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Simple instincts and rules among Alpine herdsmen have done more for humanity than proud intellectual thought.
- In plain terms
- Simple rules for herdsmen helped mankind more than smart thinking.
- What can you take from it?
- Simple instincts often benefit humanity more than complex intellect.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do instincts serve you better than logic?
- Is simplicity always better?
Another view
Intellect has also contributed greatly to human progress.
More from William Wordsworth
Action is transitory - a step, a blow- The motion of a muscle- this way or that- 'Tis done; and in the after-vacancy We wonder at ourselves like men betrayed.
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