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Is there for honest Poverty That hings his head, an' a'…

“Is there for honest Poverty That hings his head, an' a' that; The coward slave-we pass him by, We dare be poor for a' that! For a' that, an' a' that. Our toils obscure an' a' that, The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The Man's the gowd for a' that. What though on hamely fare we dine, Wear hoddin…” quote by Robert Burns
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““Is there for honest Poverty That hings his head, an' a' that; The coward slave-we pass him by, We dare be poor for a' that! For a' that, an' a' that. Our toils obscure an' a' that, The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The Man's the gowd for a' that. What though on hamely fare we dine, Wear hoddin grey, an' a that; Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine; A Man's a Man for a' that: For a' that, and a' that, Their tinsel show, an' a' that; The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor, Is king o' men for a' that. Ye see yon birkie, ca'd a lord, Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that; Tho' hundreds worship at his word, He's but a coof for a' that: For a' that, an' a' that, His ribband, star, an' a' that: The man o' independent mind He looks an' laughs at a' that. A prince can mak a belted knight, A marquis, duke, an' a' that; But an honest man's abon his might, Gude faith, he maunna fa' that! For a' that, an' a' that, Their dignities an' a' that; The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth, Are higher rank than a' that. Then let us pray that come it may, (As come it will for a' that,) That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth, Shall bear the gree, an' a' that. For a' that, an' a' that, It's coming yet for a' that, That Man to Man, the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that.””

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.

The poem celebrates intrinsic human worth over social rank, urging respect for honesty and equality regardless of wealth or title.

In simple terms: True worth lies in character, not status.

Key Takeaway

Value character over status.

Themes

equality human dignity honesty social critique individualism

Mood

defiant hopeful inspirational

Type

poetic philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • education
  • community building
  • personal development
  • advocacy

Key Concepts

intrinsic worth class critique moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we practice true equality in daily life?
  • What barriers prevent honest people from being valued?
A Different Perspective

The poem’s idealism may overlook systemic barriers that prevent equality.

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