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America Quote by Robinson Jeffers

“While this America settles in the mould of its vulgarity, heavily thickening to empire, I And protest, only a bubble in the molten mass, pops and sighs out, and the mass hardens, I sadly smiling remember that the flower fades to make fruit, the fruit rots to make earth. Qut of the mother; and…” quote by Robinson Jeffers
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““While this America settles in the mould of its vulgarity, heavily thickening to empire, I And protest, only a bubble in the molten mass, pops and sighs out, and the mass hardens, I sadly smiling remember that the flower fades to make fruit, the fruit rots to make earth. Qut of the mother; and through the spring exultances, ripeness and decadence; and home to the mother. You making haste haste on decay: not blameworthy; life is good, be it stubbornly long or suddenly A mortal splendor: meteors are not needed less than mountains: shine, perishing republic. But for my children. I would have them keep their dis- tance from the thickening center; corruption. Never has been compulsory, when the cities lie at the monster’s feet there are left the mountajns. And boys, be in nothing so moderate as in love of man, a clever servant, insufferable master. There is the trap that catches noblest spirits, that caught -–they say--God, when he walked on earth.””

Robinson Jeffers

About This Quote

The poet warns that society’s growing decadence and imperial ambition will crush individual integrity, urging distance from corrupt power and a humble, natural cycle of life and death.

In simple terms: Critique of societal decay and imperialism.

Key Takeaway

Avoid corrupt centers; embrace natural cycles.

Themes

imperialism decadence individual integrity nature cycles corruption power

Mood

melancholic reflective cautious

Type

philosophical poetic warning

When to use this quote

  • living under an expanding empire
  • witnessing moral decline
  • seeking personal integrity amidst corruption
  • contemplating mortality

Key Concepts

societal decay imperial ambition natural order human hubris

Practical Applications

  • philosophical reflection on societal trends
  • literary analysis of poetic themes

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does one balance personal integrity with societal pressures?
  • What role does nature play in shaping human values?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue that engagement with power can enable reform rather than inevitable corruption.

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