--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Though I carry always some ill-nature…" description: "\"Though I carry always some ill-nature about me, yet it is, I hope, no more than is in this world necessary for a preservative.\" — Andrew Marvell" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png" --- # Though I carry always some ill-nature about me, yet it is… ![“Though I carry always some ill-nature about me, yet it is, I hope, no more than is in this world necessary for a preservative.” quote by Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png) > “Though I carry always some ill-nature about me, yet it is, I hope, no more than is in this world necessary for a preservative.” [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He acknowledges a slight ill nature, but sees it as necessary for preservation. **In simple terms:** A little negativity can be useful. Key Takeaway Balance traits wisely. Themes human nature self‑preservation imperfection Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal relationships - leadership decisions - self‑reflection Key Concepts Philosophical ethical Questions to Reflect On - When is it okay to be critical? - How do you temper harshness? A Different Perspective Excessive negativity can damage trust. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Pride, ill nature, and want of sense, are the three great sources of ill manners.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-swift/pride-ill-nature-and-want-of-sense-are-the-three-great-sources-of-ill/) [Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-swift/) > [There's no possibility of being witty without a little ill-nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-brinsley-sheridan/there-s-no-possibility-of-being-witty-without-a-little-ill-nature/) [Richard Brinsley Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-brinsley-sheridan/) > [Satirists do expose their own ill nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-watts/satirists-do-expose-their-own-ill-nature/) [Isaac Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-watts/) > [Ill-nature is a sort of running sore of the disposition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josh-billings/ill-nature-is-a-sort-of-running-sore-of-the-disposition/) [Josh Billings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-billings/) > [Remember that one touch of ill-nature makes the whole world kin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-acton/remember-that-one-touch-of-ill-nature-makes-the-whole-world-kin/) [Lord Acton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-acton/) > [To be busy with material affairs is the best preservative against reflection, fears, doubts ... all these things which stand in the way of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-conrad/to-be-busy-with-material-affairs-is-the-best-preservative-against/) [Joseph Conrad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-conrad/) > [“The shelf life of any great love is fifteen years. After that you need a serious preservative, which can seriously harm your health.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marisha-pessl/the-shelf-life-of-any-great-love-is-fifteen-years-after-that-you-need/) [Marisha Pessl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marisha-pessl/) > [Terror of being found out is not always a preservative, it sometimes hurries on the act which it ought to prevent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-oliphant/terror-of-being-found-out-is-not-always-a-preservative-it-sometimes/) [Margaret Oliphant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-oliphant/) > [“Note to clients, quicklime is a preservative, not a corrosive.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelley-armstrong/note-to-clients-quicklime-is-a-preservative-not-a-corrosive/) [Kelley Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelley-armstrong/) > [The best preservative to keep the mind in health is the faithful admonition of a friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-bacon/the-best-preservative-to-keep-the-mind-in-health-is-the-faithful/) [Francis Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-bacon/) > [The best preservative to keep the mind on health is the faithful admonition of a friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-bacon-sr/the-best-preservative-to-keep-the-mind-on-health-is-the-faithful/) [Francis Bacon Sr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-bacon-sr/) > [Correct opinions well established on any subject are the best preservative against the seduction of error.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-mant/correct-opinions-well-established-on-any-subject-are-the-best/) [Richard Mant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-mant/) > [I have everything in the world that is necessary to happiness--good faith, good friends, and all the work I can possibly do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-howard-shaw/i-have-everything-in-the-world-that-is-necessary-to-happiness-good/) [Anna Howard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-howard-shaw/) > [Man has sought to take from the natural world not only that which is necessary for his stability and survival, but often seeks to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-i-of-constantinople/man-has-sought-to-take-from-the-natural-world-not-only-that-which-is/) [Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-i-of-constantinople/) > [“Problems are a part of life in a fallen world, and they are necessary part of it, necessary to our testing and to our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-j-rushdoony/problems-are-a-part-of-life-in-a-fallen-world-and-they-are-necessary/) [R.J. Rushdoony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-j-rushdoony/) ## More by Andrew Marvell > [My love is of a birth as rare As 'tis, for object, strange and high; It was begotten by Despair Upon Impossibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/my-love-is-of-a-birth-as-rare-as-tis-for-object-strange-and-high-it/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [“But at my back I always hear Time’s wingèd chariot hurrying near; And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/but-at-my-back-i-always-hear-time-s-wing-d-chariot-hurrying-near-and/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [What wondrous life is this I lead! Ripe apples drop about my head; The luscious clusters of the vine Upon my mouth do crush…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/what-wondrous-life-is-this-i-lead-ripe-apples-drop-about-my-head-the/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [Gather the flowers, but spare the buds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/gather-the-flowers-but-spare-the-buds/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [No white nor red was ever seen So am'rous as this lovely green. Fond lovers, cruel as their flame, Cut in these trees their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/no-white-nor-red-was-ever-seen-so-am-rous-as-this-lovely-green-fond/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [The mind, that ocean where each kind Does straight its own resemblance find; Yet it creates, transcending these, Far other worlds, and other seas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/the-mind-that-ocean-where-each-kind-does-straight-its-own-resemblance/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [“Now therefore, while the youthful hue Sits on thy skin like morning dew, And while thy willing soul transpires At every pore with instant…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/now-therefore-while-the-youthful-hue-sits-on-thy-skin-like-morning/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [“What wondrous life in this I lead Ripe apples drop about my head”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/what-wondrous-life-in-this-i-lead-ripe-apples-drop-about-my-head/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [Meanwhile the mind, from pleasure less, Withdraws into its happiness; The mind, that ocean where each kind Does straight its own resemblance find; Yet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/meanwhile-the-mind-from-pleasure-less-withdraws-into-its-happiness/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [What wondrous life is this I lead! Ripe apples drop about my head.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/what-wondrous-life-is-this-i-lead-ripe-apples-drop-about-my-head/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [How vainly men themselves amaze, / To win the palm, the oak, or bays; / And their incessant labours see / Crowned from some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/how-vainly-men-themselves-amaze-to-win-the-palm-the-oak-or-bays-and/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [And now, when I have summed up all my store, Thinking (so I myself deceive) So rich a chaplet thence to weave As never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/and-now-when-i-have-summed-up-all-my-store-thinking-so-i-myself/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [Therefore the love which us doth bind, But fate so enviously debars, Is the conjunction of the mind, And opposition of the stars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/therefore-the-love-which-us-doth-bind-but-fate-so-enviously-debars-is/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [The world in all doth but two nations bear- The good, the bad; and these mixed everywhere.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/the-world-in-all-doth-but-two-nations-bear-the-good-the-bad-and-these/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) > [Self-preservation, nature's first great law, all the creatures, except man, doth awe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/self-preservation-nature-s-first-great-law-all-the-creatures-except/) [Andrew Marvell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) [Explore all 58 Andrew Marvell quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/) ## More Ill quotes > [In our society we have hard nerds and soft nerds. The hard nerds are the ones who used to have the slide rules at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-kay/in-our-society-we-have-hard-nerds-and-soft-nerds-the-hard-nerds-are/) [Alan Kay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-kay/) > [Love reacts with goodness towards those who ill-treat it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alistair-begg/love-reacts-with-goodness-towards-those-who-ill-treat-it/) [Alistair Begg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alistair-begg/) > [But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/but-the-effect-of-her-being-on-those-around-her-was-incalculably/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [I will follow my instincts, be myself for good or ill, and see what will be the upshot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-muir/i-will-follow-my-instincts-be-myself-for-good-or-ill-and-see-what/) [John Muir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-muir/) > [One reason why my memory decays is that I have three cats, all so loving and insistent that they play cat's-cradle with every train…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sylvia-townsend-warner/one-reason-why-my-memory-decays-is-that-i-have-three-cats-all-so/) [Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvia-townsend-warner/) > [In any event, it is one thing to assert, then or now, that the Iraq war was ill-advised. It is quite another to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-silberman/in-any-event-it-is-one-thing-to-assert-then-or-now-that-the-iraq-war/) [Laurence Silberman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-silberman/) > [How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds makes ill deeds done!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/how-oft-the-sight-of-means-to-do-ill-deeds-makes-ill-deeds-done/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [Ill-fitting grammar are like ill-fitting shoes. You can get used to it for a bit, but then one day your toes fall off and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jasper-fforde/ill-fitting-grammar-are-like-ill-fitting-shoes-you-can-get-used-to-it/) [Jasper Fforde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jasper-fforde/) > [Do you think that was kind? Do you think it was godlike? What would you think of a physician, if a woman came to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-h-gardener/do-you-think-that-was-kind-do-you-think-it-was-godlike-what-would-you/) [Helen H. Gardener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-h-gardener/) > [Im a farmer. I always will be a farmer. When I die, Ill be a farmer. Its something that Ive wanted to do since…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-tester/im-a-farmer-i-always-will-be-a-farmer-when-i-die-ill-be-a-farmer-its/) [Jon Tester](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-tester/) > [Some people are born skinny, and that's just the way it is. You can't point a finger at them and say they're ill or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heidi-klum/some-people-are-born-skinny-and-that-s-just-the-way-it-is-you-can-t/) [Heidi Klum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heidi-klum/) > [Need to go to the pharmacy, because I'm so sick!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tasha-matthews/need-to-go-to-the-pharmacy-because-i-m-so-sick/) Tasha Matthews > [Dead kids are put on pedestals, but mentally ill kids get hidden under the rug.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-shusterman/dead-kids-are-put-on-pedestals-but-mentally-ill-kids-get-hidden-under/) [Neal Shusterman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-shusterman/) > [To think profoundly, to seek and speak truth, to love justice and denounce wrong is to draw upon one's self the ill will of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lancaster-spalding/to-think-profoundly-to-seek-and-speak-truth-to-love-justice-and/) [John Lancaster Spalding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lancaster-spalding/) > [The Roman Catholic Church is an institution for whose gains the phrase "ill-gotten" might have been specially invented. And of all its money-making rip-offs,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/the-roman-catholic-church-is-an-institution-for-whose-gains-the/) [Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/) [Browse all 2,279 Ill quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Though I carry always some ill-nature about me, yet it is, I hope, no more than is in this world necessary for a preservative.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Andrew Marvell" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-about-me-yet-it-is-i-hope-no/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Ill" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-about-me-yet-it-is-i-hope-no/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/386/andrew-marvell-11672_ill_though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-ab_691298.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Though I carry always some ill-nature about me, yet it is, I hope, no more than is in this world necessary…” — Andrew Marvell", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Andrew Marvell", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-marvell/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Though I carry always some ill-nature...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-about-me-yet-it-is-i-hope-no/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-marvell/though-i-carry-always-some-ill-nature-about-me-yet-it-is-i-hope-no/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```