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Animism Quote by William Wordsworth

“The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; Little we see in Nature that is ours; We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon, The winds that will be howling at all hours, And are up-gathered now like…” quote by William Wordsworth
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““The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; Little we see in Nature that is ours; We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon, The winds that will be howling at all hours, And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers, For this, for everything, we are out of tune; It moves us not.—Great God! I'd rather be A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn; Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea; Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.””

William Wordsworth

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The World Is Too Much With Us” excerpt, 1807

The passage laments humanity’s disconnection from nature, yearning for a return to natural rhythms and mythic wonder.

In simple terms: People have lost touch with nature and myth.

Key Takeaway

Reconnect with nature and mythic imagination.

Themes

nature disconnection myth industrialization

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban life
  • environmental activism
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

environmental alienation spiritual longing romanticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you restore natural harmony?
  • What mythic symbols inspire you?
A Different Perspective

Modern life offers many ways to stay connected to nature.

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