Beaten Quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
“I never was attached to that great sect, Whose doctrine is, that each one should select Out of the crowd a mistress or a friend, And all the rest, though fair and wise, commend To cold oblivion, though it is in the code Of modern morals, and the beaten road Which those poor slaves with weary footsteps tread, Who travel to their home among the dead By the broad highway of the world, and so With one chained friend perhaps a jealous foe, The dreariest and the longest journey go.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Revolt of Islam” (1820)
Choosing isolation over conformity leads to a lonely, endless journey.
In simple terms: Isolation brings endless hardship.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaningful connections.
Themes
isolation
conformity
loneliness
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career choices
- social movements
- personal relationships
- creative collaborations
Key Concepts
existentialism
social contract
freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value freedom over companionship?
- What costs does conformity exact?
A Different Perspective
Isolation may also protect from harmful influences.
