Skip to content

Perceive ye not that we are worms, designed To form the…

“Perceive ye not that we are worms, designed To form the angelic butterfly, that goes To judgment, leaving all defence behind? Why doth your mind take such exalted pose, Since ye, disabled, are as insects, mean As worm which never transformation knows?” quote by Dante Alighieri
Download Open image
“Perceive ye not that we are worms, designed To form the angelic butterfly, that goes To judgment, leaving all defence behind? Why doth your mind take such exalted pose, Since ye, disabled, are as insects, mean As worm which never transformation knows?”

Dante Alighieri

About This Quote

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

Compares human frailty to worms, questioning lofty self‑importance when we are fundamentally limited.

In simple terms: Human frailty vs. pride.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits before boasting.

Themes

humility existential selfawareness

Mood

reflective solemn

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • philosophical debate
  • personal reflection
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

metaphor human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you see yourself as a worm or a butterfly?
  • How does humility affect ambition?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex human potential.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Dante Alighieri

Explore all 414 Dante Alighieri quotes

More Angelic quotes

Browse all 149 Angelic quotes