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Asks Quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins

“I can scarcely fancy myself to ask a superior to publish a volume of my verse and I own that humanly there is very little likelihood of that ever coming to pass. And to be sure if I chose to look at things on one side and not the other I could of course regret this bitterly. But there is more…” quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
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“I can scarcely fancy myself to ask a superior to publish a volume of my verse and I own that humanly there is very little likelihood of that ever coming to pass. And to be sure if I chose to look at things on one side and not the other I could of course regret this bitterly. But there is more peace and it isthe holier lot to be unknown than to be known.”

Gerard Manley Hopkins

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Windhover, 1888

He values anonymity over fame, seeing unknown life as spiritually safer than being known.

In simple terms: Being unknown is more peaceful than being known.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and privacy.

Themes

humility spirituality fame anonymity

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • artistic career
  • personal reputation
  • public exposure

Key Concepts

existential contemplation self‑acceptance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you prefer privacy over recognition?
  • How does anonymity affect your sense of self?
A Different Perspective

Unknown status may limit opportunities and influence.

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