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But mankind is a dead tree, covered with fine brilliant…

“But mankind is a dead tree, covered with fine brilliant galls of people.[..]And if it is so, why is it? she asked, hostile.They were rousing each other to a fine passion of opposition. Why, why are people all balls of bitter dust?Because they won't fall off the tree when they're ripe.They hang on…” quote by D.H. Lawrence
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““But mankind is a dead tree, covered with fine brilliant galls of people.[..]And if it is so, why is it? she asked, hostile.They were rousing each other to a fine passion of opposition. Why, why are people all balls of bitter dust?Because they won't fall off the tree when they're ripe.They hang on to their old positions when the position is over-past, till they become infested with little worms and dry-rot.””

D.H. Lawrence

About This Quote

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

People cling to outdated beliefs, becoming decayed like rotting fruit.

In simple terms: Clinging to old ideas leads to decay.

Key Takeaway

Question and update your beliefs.

Themes

stagnation change human nature

Mood

critical contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • organizational change
  • cultural shifts

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs are you holding onto?
  • How does decay manifest in society?
A Different Perspective

Changing beliefs can be painful and resisted.

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