Skip to content

Education Quote by Christopher Marlowe

“Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight, And burnèd is Apollo's laurel-bough, That sometime grew within this learnèd man.” quote by Christopher Marlowe
Download Open image
““Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight, And burnèd is Apollo's laurel-bough, That sometime grew within this learnèd man.””

Christopher Marlowe

About This Quote

Source Play: Doctor Faustus, Christopher Marlowe, 1592

The speaker laments that a once‑promising, straight path is now broken, and even the revered symbol of Apollo is scorched, reflecting lost potential and corrupted brilliance.

In simple terms: A broken path and burnt laurel symbolize lost potential.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and nurture potential before it’s lost.

Themes

potential loss corruption classicism artistic decline

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • creative pursuits
  • career setbacks
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

literature mythology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What talents have you neglected?
  • How can you revive a stalled path?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on loss may ignore opportunities for renewal.

3.9 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Christopher Marlowe

Explore all 129 Christopher Marlowe quotes

More Education quotes

Browse all 37,680 Education quotes