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Good Lord, what is man! for as simple he looks, Do but try…

“Good Lord, what is man! for as simple he looks, Do but try to develop his books and his crooks, With his depths and his shallows, his good and his evil, All in all, he's a problem must puzzle the devil.” quote by Robert Burns
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“Good Lord, what is man! for as simple he looks, Do but try to develop his books and his crooks, With his depths and his shallows, his good and his evil, All in all, he's a problem must puzzle the devil.”

Robert Burns

About This Quote

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

Human nature is complex, containing both good and evil, making each person a puzzling mystery.

In simple terms: People are a mix of good and bad, a mystery.

Key Takeaway

Embrace complexity, seek understanding.

Themes

human nature duality complexity morality

Mood

thoughtful curious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • self‑analysis
  • teaching ethics

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What contradictions exist within yourself?
  • How can we balance judgment with empathy?
A Different Perspective

Simplifying people to "puzzles" can ignore agency and growth.

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