Skip to content

Felt Quote by Robert Burns

“The poor inhabitant below Was quick to learn and wise to know And keenly felt the friendly glow And softer flame; But thoughtless follies laid him low, And stain'd his name!” quote by Robert Burns
Download Open image
“The poor inhabitant below Was quick to learn and wise to know And keenly felt the friendly glow And softer flame; But thoughtless follies laid him low, And stain'd his name!”

Robert Burns

About This Quote

Source Poem: Untitled (Traditional Scottish), 1790

A poor person learns quickly, feels kindness, yet is undone by careless mistakes that tarnish his reputation.

In simple terms: Wise but ruined by thoughtless actions.

Key Takeaway

Guard against careless deeds.

Themes

poverty wisdom reputation mistakes

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

poetic moral

When to use this quote

  • daily work
  • community interactions
  • personal reputation
  • learning from errors

Key Concepts

folly social perception humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can humility protect reputation?
  • What small actions can cause lasting damage?
A Different Perspective

Even the wise can be undone by small errors.

2.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Robert Burns

Explore all 233 Robert Burns quotes

More Felt quotes

Browse all 9,592 Felt quotes