"Don't be on the side of the angels, it's too lowering"

This quote by David Herbert Lawrence is a pointer to not be too great or too exemplary. It is a caution versus attempting to be ideal and living up to an idealized version of morality. Lawrence is suggesting that it is better to be flawed and imperfect than to try to be an angelic figure. He is suggesting that trying to be too good can be restricting and can avoid one from living a full life. He is likewise suggesting that it is better to be a bit rebellious and to take dangers than to be too safe and too best. Lawrence is motivating individuals to be brave and to take dangers in order to live a more satisfying life.