Ascending Quote by Michelangelo
“There is no tongue to speak his eulogy; Too brightly burned his splendor for our eyes; Far easier to condemn his injurers, Than for the tongue to reach his smallest worth, He to the realms of sinfulness came down, To teach mankind, ascending then to God, Heaven unbarred to him her lofty gates, To whom his country heres refused to ope. Ungrateful land! Well, too, does this instruct That greatest ills fall to the perfectest. And, midst a thousand proofs, let this suffice- That, as his exile had no parallel, So never was there man more great than he.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, attributed to Michelangelo, 16th century
The poet laments that greatness is unappreciated, while the world condemns lesser evils, and reflects on the fall of a supreme figure.
In simple terms: Greatness is ignored, and lesser faults are judged instead.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor true greatness.
Themes
art
legacy
misunderstanding
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
historical
poetic
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- historical analysis
- education curricula
Key Concepts
human nature
fame
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies often overlook true excellence?
- How can we better value lasting contributions?
A Different Perspective
It may romanticize the past and ignore context.
