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Call'd to the temple of impure delight He that abstains…

“Call'd to the temple of impure delight He that abstains, and he alone, does right. If a wish wander that way, call it home; He cannot long be safe whose wishes roam.” quote by William Cowper
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“Call'd to the temple of impure delight He that abstains, and he alone, does right. If a wish wander that way, call it home; He cannot long be safe whose wishes roam.”

William Cowper

About This Quote

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

Resisting temptation and staying true to moral discipline leads to inner safety; wandering desires bring danger.

In simple terms: Self‑control protects; wandering desires bring harm.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate disciplined, focused desires.

Themes

morality self‑control discipline

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice spiritual.

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • spiritual practice
  • conflict resolution
  • leadership

Key Concepts

ethics spirituality psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What desires are truly harmful?
  • How can discipline be balanced with compassion?
A Different Perspective

Desires can be redirected rather than suppressed entirely.

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