Skip to content

Form Quote by William Wordsworth

“Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; Our meddling intellect Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things: We murder to dissect.” quote by William Wordsworth
Download Open image
“Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; Our meddling intellect Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things: We murder to dissect.”

William Wordsworth

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Prelude" (excerpt), 1799

Human interference often distorts natural beauty, leading to harmful consequences when we dissect or alter nature.

In simple terms: Nature's beauty is harmed by meddling.

Key Takeaway

Respect natural forms.

Themes

nature science ethics

Mood

reflective cautionary

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • conservation
  • scientific research
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

Anthropocentrism environmentalism hubris

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it justified to alter nature?
  • How can we study without harming?
A Different Perspective

Balancing curiosity with preservation is challenging.

3.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by William Wordsworth

Explore all 587 William Wordsworth quotes

More Form quotes

Browse all 12,984 Form quotes