The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the shadow of shadows on the deed alone.
This quote by William Butler Yeats highlights the importance of intention and motivation in shaping our actions. The phrase 'the light of lights' suggests a higher, guiding force that illuminates our true motives, while 'the shadow of shadows' implies the darker, hidden aspects of our deeds. The quote encourages us to examine our own motivations and consider the consequences of our actions.
The quote explores the relationship between our intentions and the actions we take. It suggests that our true nature is revealed not by our deeds themselves, but by the motivations behind them. This idea is relevant to our daily lives, as we often struggle with the tension between our desires and the consequences of our choices.
William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet and playwright who was deeply influenced by Irish folklore and mythology. This quote likely reflects his fascination with the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose.
William Butler Yeats was born in 1865 in Dublin, Ireland. He was a key figure in the Irish literary revival and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. Yeats was known for his poetic and mystical works, which often explored themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.
The quote touches on theological themes, such as the nature of good and evil, and the role of intention in shaping our actions. It suggests that our true nature is revealed not by our deeds, but by our motivations, which is a concept that is central to many religious and philosophical traditions.
This quote can be applied to our daily lives by encouraging us to examine our own motivations and consider the consequences of our actions. It can also serve as a reminder to strive for integrity and authenticity in our words and deeds.
There are no notable criticisms or controversies surrounding this quote, as it is a poetic and philosophical statement that is open to interpretation and reflection.