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Abraham Cowley Quotes

Powerful Abraham Cowley for Daily Growth

About Abraham Cowley

Abraham Cowley (1618-1667), an English metaphysical poet and courtier, is renowned for his lyric poetry that bridged the gap between the Elizabethan and Restoration eras. Born on October 23, 1618, in Oxfordshire, England, Cowley was the second son of Reverend John Cowley. His education began at Westminster School before moving to Christ Church, Oxford, where he became a close friend of John Milton. Influenced by classical writers like Horace and Virgil, as well as contemporary poets like John Donne and George Herbert, Cowley's work showcased a unique blend of neoclassicism and metaphysical poetry. His early poems were published anonymously in the mid-1630s but gained recognition with his first collection, "Poetical Blossoms," in 1633. Cowley's career took a significant turn when he entered the court of Charles I in 1641 as a Gentleman Usher and later as Master of the Wards to Charles II. His service to the monarchy during the English Civil War led to his imprisonment for two years from 1642-1644. Despite this, he continued writing and published "Verses upon Several Occasions" (1647) and "The Guardian" (1656), his most famous work. The "Guardian," a political allegory in the form of a pastoral poem, was published under the pseudonym Philander. This work was highly influential during the Interregnum and earned Cowley admiration from John Dryden, who praised him as England's third poet after Spenser and Jonson. Cowley died on January 13, 1667, in London, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to influence English literature. His most famous quote, "To be happy is to be well," encapsulates the essence of Cowley's philosophy and poetry. Despite his life marked by political turmoil, Cowley's poems, filled with wit, grace, and beauty, remain timeless testaments to the power of the written word.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Variety's the spice of life, that gives it all its flavor."

This quote suggests that the diversity or change in experiences, people, places, or things enriches and adds enjoyment to life. Just as spices enhance the taste of food, different aspects of life make our existence more interesting and worth living. The variety keeps us engaged, helps us learn, and prevents boredom. Embracing and seeking out new experiences can indeed give our lives flavor and meaning.

"Faith without works is like a garden enclosed by walls, but never sown or planted."

This quote suggests that faith, without corresponding actions (works), is similar to a beautifully maintained but unproductive garden. The garden is enclosed, protected, and well-tended, yet it produces no fruits or flowers because nothing has been planted within it. Similarly, one who holds strong beliefs (faith) but does not translate those beliefs into action lacks the fulfillment of seeing tangible results from their convictions. The quote encourages individuals to take action based on their faith in order to yield the intended outcomes, as an unplanted garden will remain barren and unproductive.

"The world's great age begins anew, the first baby cries, and with its innocent soul makes a brand new start."

This quote by Abraham Cowley suggests that every newborn child represents a fresh start for humanity, symbolizing renewal, optimism, and innocence in the vast expanse of human history. The world is not merely reiterating its past but embarking on a new, uncharted journey with each new generation, as their pure and innocent souls bring forth hope and possibilities.

"Love, that best parent of mankind, is the chief source of all pleasures."

This quote by Abraham Cowley emphasizes the profound impact love has on humanity, positioning it as not just a source of emotional well-being but also as a significant contributor to overall human happiness or "pleasure." Love, in this context, serves as a nurturing force for humanity, fostering growth and fulfillment. Essentially, Cowley highlights the transformative power of love in shaping our collective experiences and enhancing our lives.

"He who laughs last did not understand the joke."

This quote by Abraham Cowley suggests that if one is able to appreciate a joke or humor, they are unlikely to find it amusing when laughter occurs at a later time. Essentially, the person who didn't fully grasp the humor or irony in a situation would be left out of the laughter, as they did not comprehend the initial jest. It serves as a reminder that our understanding and interpretation of events can significantly impact how we respond to them.

This only grant me, that my means may lie too low for envy, for contempt too high.

- Abraham Cowley

Envy, May, Means, Grant

Solitude can be used well by very few people. They who do must have a knowledge of the world to see the foolishness of it, and enough virtue to despise all the vanity.

- Abraham Cowley

Enough, Used, Very, Solitude

God the first garden made, and the first city Cain.

- Abraham Cowley

God, City, Made, Garden

Of all ills that one endures, hope is a cheap and universal cure.

- Abraham Cowley

Cure, Endures, Ills, Universal

Hope! of all ills that men endure, the only cheap and universal cure.

- Abraham Cowley

Men, Only, Ills, Universal

Lukewarmness I account a sin, as great in love as in religion.

- Abraham Cowley

Love, Great, Sin, Account

Curiosity does, no less than devotion, pilgrims make.

- Abraham Cowley

Curiosity, Than, Does, Less

Nothing is to come, and nothing past: But an eternal now, does always last.

- Abraham Cowley

Past, Always, Last, Eternal

The world's a scene of changes, and to be constant, in nature were inconstancy.

- Abraham Cowley

Nature, World, Constant, Scene

Life is an incurable disease.

- Abraham Cowley

Life, Disease, Incurable

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