Philosophy will clip an Angel's wings, Conquer all…
““Philosophy will clip an Angel's wings, Conquer all mysteries by rule and line, Empty the haunted air, and gnomèd mine— Unweave a rainbow, as it erewhile made The tender-person'd Lamia melt into a shade””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting to control the divine or mysterious can strip away wonder, leaving only a hollow, mechanical understanding.
In simple terms: Control stifles wonder; it empties mystery.
Key Takeaway
Avoid over‑rationalizing the mystical.
Themes
mystery
control
creativity
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- artistic creation
- spiritual practice
- legal analysis
Key Concepts
aesthetics
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- What is lost when we try to fully explain the unknowable?
- How can we honor mystery while seeking understanding?
A Different Perspective
Too much rational control can suppress imagination and emotional depth.