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If it chance your eye offends you, Pluck it out lad, and…

“If it chance your eye offends you, Pluck it out lad, and be sound: 'Twill hurt, but here are salves to friend you, And many a balsam grows on ground. And if your hand or foot offend you, Cut it off, lad, and be whole; But play the man, stand up and end you, When your sickness is your soul.” quote by A.E. Housman
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““If it chance your eye offends you, Pluck it out lad, and be sound: 'Twill hurt, but here are salves to friend you, And many a balsam grows on ground. And if your hand or foot offend you, Cut it off, lad, and be whole; But play the man, stand up and end you, When your sickness is your soul.””

A.E. Housman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Neglecting moral or spiritual flaws leads to deeper harm; confronting them early prevents greater damage.

In simple terms: Ignore problems, they grow.

Key Takeaway

Address issues promptly.

Themes

morality self‑care consequences

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • ethical dilemmas
  • health decisions

Key Concepts

self‑discipline spiritual health

Questions to Reflect On

  • What flaw are you avoiding?
  • How can early correction improve wellbeing?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring pain may cause larger suffering later.

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