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The age is dull and mean. Men creep, Not walk; with blood…

“The age is dull and mean. Men creep, Not walk; with blood too pale and tame To pay the debt they owe to shame; Buy cheap, sell dear; eat. drink, and sleep down-pillowed, deaf to moaning want; Pay tithes for soul-insurance; keep Six days to Mammon, one to Cant” quote by John Greenleaf Whittier
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“The age is dull and mean. Men creep, Not walk; with blood too pale and tame To pay the debt they owe to shame; Buy cheap, sell dear; eat. drink, and sleep down-pillowed, deaf to moaning want; Pay tithes for soul-insurance; keep Six days to Mammon, one to Cant”

John Greenleaf Whittier

About This Quote

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

Society is morally stagnant, driven by materialism and superficial comforts, neglecting deeper values.

In simple terms: Materialism dulls humanity.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper purpose beyond material gain.

Themes

materialism spiritual emptiness societal decay

Mood

melancholic critical

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • community activism
  • ethical consumerism
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

philosophy social critique ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can individuals take to resist materialism?
  • How can communities foster deeper values?
A Different Perspective

Changing societal values is complex and slow.

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