Within the infant rind of this small flower Poison hath…
““Within the infant rind of this small flower Poison hath residence and medicine power. For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part; Being tasted, stays all senses with the heart. Two such opposèd kings encamp them still, In man as well as herbs—grace and rude will. And where the worser is predominant, Full soon the canker death eats up that plant. (Inside the little rind of this weak flower, there is both poison and powerful medicine. If you smell it, you feel good all over your body. But if you taste it, you die. There are two opposite elements in everything, in men as well as in herbs—good and evil. When evil is dominant, death soon kills the body like cancer.) ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote illustrates that within a single thing can coexist both harmful and healing forces, and the dominant quality determines the outcome.
In simple terms: Good and evil coexist; dominance decides fate.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance opposing forces.
Themes
dualism
balance
nature
humanity
health
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
aphilosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- medicine
- personal growth
- decision making
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
alchemy
philosophy
toxicology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify which force is dominant?
- Can you cultivate the positive aspect?
A Different Perspective
If one aspect overwhelms, the whole can be destroyed.