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If a man is not rising upwards to be an angel, depend upon…

“If a man is not rising upwards to be an angel, depend upon it, he is sinking downwards to be a devil . He cannot stop at the beast. The most savage of men are not beasts; they are worse, a great deal worse.” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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“If a man is not rising upwards to be an angel, depend upon it, he is sinking downwards to be a devil . He cannot stop at the beast. The most savage of men are not beasts; they are worse, a great deal worse.”

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.

Human nature can descend into evil if not guided toward higher ideals.

In simple terms: Without striving upward, one becomes devilish.

Key Takeaway

Aim for higher moral goals.

Themes

morality human nature spirituality

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • ethical decision‑making
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

angelic aspiration devilish descent

Questions to Reflect On

  • What practices keep you aiming upward?
  • Can evil be fully eradicated?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may be unrealistic for many.

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