Advice" I must do as you do? Your way I own Is a very good…
““Advice" I must do as you do? Your way I own Is a very good way, and still, There are sometimes two straight roads to a town, One over, one under the hill. You are treading the safe and the well-worn way, That the prudent choose each time; And you think me reckless and rash to-day Because I prefer to climb. Your path is the right one, and so is mine. We are not like peas in a pod, Compelled to lie in a certain line, Or else be scattered abroad. 'T were a dull old world, methinks, my friend, If we all just went one way; Yet our paths will meet no doubt at the end, Though they lead apart today. You like the shade, and I like the sun; You like an even pace, I like to mix with the crowd and run, And then rest after the race. I like danger, and storm, and strife, You like a peaceful time; I like the passion and surge of life, You like its gentle rhyme. You like buttercups, dewy sweet, And crocuses, framed in snow; I like roses, born of the heat, And the red carnation's glow. I must live my life, not yours, my friend, For so it was written down; We must follow our given paths to the end, But I trust we shall meet--in town.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Celebrates individuality and the courage to choose unconventional paths despite societal pressure.
In simple terms: Choose your own way, not the crowd’s.
Key Takeaway
Embrace personal destiny over conformity.
Themes
individuality
choice
conformity
courage
diversity
Mood
inspirational
philosophical
Type
poetic
reflective
When to use this quote
- career planning
- creative pursuits
- relationship decisions
- risk‑taking
- self‑discovery
Key Concepts
Existentialism
personal freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “the right path” mean to you?
- How can you balance safety and adventure?
A Different Perspective
Non‑conformity can lead to isolation.