Mankind Quote by Tom Waits
““The higher that the monkey can climb, the more he shows his tail. Call no man happy till he dies, there's no milk at the bottom of the pail. God builds a church and the devil builds a chapel, like the thistles that are growing 'round the trunk of a tree. All the good in the world you could put inside a thimble, and still have room for you and me. If there's one thing you can say about mankind, there's nothing kind about man. You can drive out nature with a pitchfork, but it always coming roaring back again. Misery's the river of the world, misery's the river of the world. Everybody row, everybody row; misery's the river of the world.””
About This Quote
Source Song: “Murder in the Cathedral” (fictional reference), null
The quote juxtaposes human pride, suffering, and the cyclical nature of misery, suggesting that despite attempts to control or escape, hardship persists.
In simple terms: Human pride leads to suffering; misery repeats.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility and resilience.
Themes
pride
misery
human nature
resilience
cycle
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social commentary
- artistic expression
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
fatalism
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront inevitable suffering?
- What role does humility play in your life?
A Different Perspective
The poetic style may obscure practical guidance.
