Riches I hold in light esteem, And love I laugh to scorn…
“Riches I hold in light esteem, And love I laugh to scorn, And lust of fame was but a dream That vanished with the morn. And if I pray, the only prayer That moves my lips for me Is, 'Leave the heart that now I bear, And give me liberty!' Yes, as my swift days near their goal, 'Tis all that I implore - In life and death, a chainless soul, With courage to endure.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker values wealth and fame lightly, seeks freedom and courage, and wishes to relinquish personal burdens for liberty.
In simple terms: Desires freedom over material and fame; wants to shed personal burdens.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize liberty and inner strength over external rewards.
Themes
freedom
courage
materialism
spirituality
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- career transition
- end‑of‑life reflection
- creative struggle
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑release
liberation
Questions to Reflect On
- What burdens are you holding onto?
- How can you cultivate courage to let go?
A Different Perspective
Liberty may be unattainable without confronting inner fear.