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Accompany Quote by Francis Quarles

“Gaze not on beauty too much, lest it blast thee; nor too long, lest it blind thee; nor too near, lest it burn thee. If thou like it, it deceives thee; if thou love it, it disturbs thee; if thou hunt after it, it destroys thee. If virtue accompany it, it is the heart's paradise; if vice associate…” quote by Francis Quarles
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“Gaze not on beauty too much, lest it blast thee; nor too long, lest it blind thee; nor too near, lest it burn thee. If thou like it, it deceives thee; if thou love it, it disturbs thee; if thou hunt after it, it destroys thee. If virtue accompany it, it is the heart's paradise; if vice associate it, it is the soul's purgatory. It is the wise man's bonfire, and the fool's furnace.”

Francis Quarles

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Moralities of Life, 1625

Beauty can be intoxicating but also dangerous; it can mislead, distract, or harm if pursued without virtue.

In simple terms: Beauty can mislead and hurt.

Key Takeaway

Seek virtue over vanity.

Themes

beauty virtue danger wisdom desire

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Romantic relationships
  • art appreciation
  • career advancement
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance admiration with caution?
  • What virtues protect you from being blinded by allure?
A Different Perspective

Even beautiful things can cause harm if not tempered by moral character.

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