"Man is born passionate of body, but with an innate though secret tendency to the love of Good in his main-spring of Mind. But God help us all! It is at present a sad jar of atoms"
- Lord Byron
About this Quote
This quote by Lord Byron speaks to the duality of humanity. On one hand, humans are born with an enthusiastic body, driven by instinct and desire. On the other hand, people have a natural propensity to like good, which is hidden deep within the main-spring of the mind. However, Byron reveals his sadness at the present state of humanity, as it is a "sad jar of atoms," recommending that the great within us is scattered and disordered. This quote talks to the concept that human beings have the potential to be great, but that capacity is often eclipsed by our instinctual desires. It depends on us to acknowledge and nurture the excellent within us, and to strive to be better individuals.