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About this quote

What does it mean?
There is sufficient cause to mourn the negative impact humanity has had on itself.
In plain terms
We should be sad about how people treat each other.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge human harm to seek change.

Where it applies

  • social justice
  • activism
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • advocating for change
  • practicing kindness
  • learning history

Questions to consider

  • What has man made of man?
  • How can we improve?

Another view

Focusing only on what is made can ignore human achievements.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

    Permalink to quote #91
  2. The eye- it cannot choose but see; we cannot bid the ear be still; our bodies feel, where'er they be, against or with our will.

    Permalink to quote #93
  3. - A simple child, That lightly draws its breath, And feels its life in every limb, What should it know of death?

    Permalink to quote #90

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