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If a man is not rising upward to be an angel, depend on…

“If a man is not rising upward to be an angel, depend on it, he is sinking downward to be a devil.” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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“If a man is not rising upward to be an angel, depend on it, he is sinking downward to be a devil.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

About This Quote

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

If a man does not strive toward goodness, he descends morally, implying that effort toward virtue prevents degradation.

In simple terms: Striving for good prevents moral decline.

Key Takeaway

Pursue virtue to avoid moral decay.

Themes

morality aspiration spiritual growth ethics

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • ethical decision‑making
  • spiritual practice
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology moral development literary metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates moral improvement?
  • How do setbacks affect moral direction?
A Different Perspective

Human nature can resist change.

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