Yet each man kills the thing he loves, By each let this be…
“Yet each man kills the thing he loves, By each let this be heard, Some do it with a bitter look, Some with a flattering word, The coward does it with a kiss, The brave man with a sword! Some kill their love when they are young, And some when they are old; Some strangle with the hands of Lust, Some with the hands of Gold: The kindest use a knife, because The dead so soon grow cold. Some love too little, some too long, Some sell, and others buy; Some do the deed with many tears, And some without a sigh: For each man kills the thing he loves, Yet each man does not die.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People destroy what they love in various ways, yet they survive; love’s loss does not equal personal death.
In simple terms: People harm what they love, but live on.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect what you cherish.
Themes
love
destruction
human nature
contradiction
mortality
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
emotional conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates the destructive actions toward loved ones?
- Can love be preserved without sacrifice?
A Different Perspective
The poem romanticizes harmful behavior, ignoring healthier alternatives.