Gaze not on beauty too much, lest it blast thee; nor too…
“Gaze not on beauty too much, lest it blast thee; nor too long, lest it blind thee; nor too near, lest it burn thee. If thou like it, it deceives thee; if thou love it, it disturbs thee; if thou hunt after it, it destroys thee. If virtue accompany it, it is the heart's paradise; if vice associate it, it is the soul's purgatory. It is the wise man's bonfire, and the fool's furnace.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beauty can be intoxicating but also dangerous; it can mislead, distract, or harm if pursued without virtue.
In simple terms: Beauty can mislead and hurt.
Key Takeaway
Seek virtue over vanity.
Themes
beauty
virtue
danger
wisdom
desire
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Romantic relationships
- art appreciation
- career advancement
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance admiration with caution?
- What virtues protect you from being blinded by allure?
A Different Perspective
Even beautiful things can cause harm if not tempered by moral character.