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A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good…

“A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.” quote by Edmund Waller
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“A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.”

Edmund Waller

About This Quote

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

Even a limited perspective can contain all that is good and fair, focusing on what truly matters.

In simple terms: A narrow view can hold all that is good.

Key Takeaway

Focus on essential values.

Themes

philosophy perspective values

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • art criticism
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

metaphor subjectivity beauty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “narrow compass” mean to you?
  • How can you balance focus with openness?
A Different Perspective

Narrowness may miss broader context.

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