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On Earth, Discord! A gloomy Heaven above, opening her…

“On Earth, Discord! A gloomy Heaven above, opening her jealous gates to the nineteen thousandth part of the tithe of mankind! And below, an inescapable & inexorable Hell, expanding its leviathan jaws for the vast residue of Mortals!” quote by Robert Burns
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“On Earth, Discord! A gloomy Heaven above, opening her jealous gates to the nineteen thousandth part of the tithe of mankind! And below, an inescapable & inexorable Hell, expanding its leviathan jaws for the vast residue of Mortals!”

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 existence is portrayed as a stark contrast between a bleak heaven and an inevitable hell, emphasizing suffering and inevitability.

In simple terms: Life is a bleak heaven above and an inescapable hell below.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the duality of existence.

Themes

suffering existence duality

Mood

melancholic dramatic

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • social injustice
  • mental health struggles
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

theology philosophy existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect your outlook on life?
  • Can you find balance between despair and hope?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may exaggerate negativity, ignoring hope or redemption.

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