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Only one sweeter end can readily be recalled—the delicious…

“Only one sweeter end can readily be recalled—the delicious death of an Ohio honey-hunter, who seeking honey in the crotch of a hollow tree, found such exceeding store of it, that leaning too far over, it sucked him in, so that he died embalmed. How many, think ye, have likewise fallen into Plato’s…” quote by Herman Melville
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““Only one sweeter end can readily be recalled—the delicious death of an Ohio honey-hunter, who seeking honey in the crotch of a hollow tree, found such exceeding store of it, that leaning too far over, it sucked him in, so that he died embalmed. How many, think ye, have likewise fallen into Plato’s honey head, and sweetly perished there?””

Herman Melville

About This Quote

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

Obsession with sweet rewards can trap you in deadly traps.

In simple terms: Beware of alluring dangers.

Key Takeaway

Avoid chasing tempting but risky goals.

Themes

obsession danger temptation

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business ventures
  • addiction
  • exploration
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

mythology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What “honey” are you chasing?
  • How can you assess risk before acting?
A Different Perspective

Blind pursuit can lead to ruin.

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