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Here lies a she sun, and a he moon there; She gives the…

“Here lies a she sun, and a he moon there; She gives the best light to his sphere; Or each is both, and all, and so They unto one another nothing owe; And yet they do, but are So just and rich in that coin which they pay, That neither would, nor needs forbear, nor stay; Neither desires to be spared…” quote by John Donne
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“Here lies a she sun, and a he moon there; She gives the best light to his sphere; Or each is both, and all, and so They unto one another nothing owe; And yet they do, but are So just and rich in that coin which they pay, That neither would, nor needs forbear, nor stay; Neither desires to be spared nor to spare. They quickly pay their debt, and then Take no acquittances, but pay again; They pay, they give, they lend, and so let fall No such occasion to be liberal. More truth, more courage in these two do shine, Than all thy turtles have and sparrows, Valentine.”

John Donne

About This Quote

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

The poem uses the sun and moon as metaphors for mutual generosity, emphasizing reciprocal giving without expectation of reward.

In simple terms: Giving freely without expecting anything back.

Key Takeaway

Practice selfless generosity.

Themes

generosity reciprocity selflessness

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community building
  • charitable acts

Key Concepts

metaphor mutual aid altruism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you give without expecting return?
  • What limits selfless generosity?
A Different Perspective

Selfless giving can be exploited or unreciprocated.

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