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Deceiving world, that with alluring toysHast made my life…

“Deceiving world, that with alluring toysHast made my life the subject of thy scorn,And scornest now to lend thy fading joys,T'outlength my life, whom friends have left forlorn;How well are they that die ere they be born,And never see thy sleights, which few men shunTill unawares they helpless are…” quote by Robert Greene
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“Deceiving world, that with alluring toysHast made my life the subject of thy scorn,And scornest now to lend thy fading joys,T'outlength my life, whom friends have left forlorn;How well are they that die ere they be born,And never see thy sleights, which few men shunTill unawares they helpless are undone!”

Robert Greene

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 warns that seductive distractions can lead to ruin, and that those who ignore warning signs become helpless victims.

In simple terms: Distractions can destroy lives if ignored.

Key Takeaway

Beware alluring temptations and heed warnings.

Themes

temptation danger awareness

Mood

cautionary melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • relationships
  • career decisions
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

seduction self‑deception vulnerability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What distractions have you ignored?
  • How do you recognize genuine risk?
A Different Perspective

Not all temptations are harmful; some can inspire growth.

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