"The heart is a small thing, but desireth great matters. It is not sufficient for a kite's dinner, yet the whole world is not sufficient for it"

Francis Quarles, in this quote, ponders the paradoxical nature of the human heart and its boundless desires. Initially glance, the "heart" is portrayed as a "small thing", symbolizing its physical size and possibly its fragility. However, regardless of its smallness, the heart harbors immense aspirations and desires, meaning the disproportionate scale in between the heart's physical dimensions and the vastness of its aspirations.

The juxtaposition of the heart's smallness with its fantastic desires suggests that human ambition and yearning are not bound by physical or material constraints. The heart, although physically incapable of feeding a kite-- a bird of victim understood for searching-- is metaphorically portrayed as insatiable, with desires that extend beyond even the world's vastness. This could be analyzed as a reflection on the pressing nature of human desire; no matter what one accomplishes or obtains, complete satisfaction stays evasive since the heart perpetually desires more.

This insight provides an extensive commentary on humanity: our aspirations often surpass our instant requirements or capabilities, driving us to pursue goals that sometimes seem beyond our reach. The quote suggests a review of materialism, suggesting that worldly possessions and accomplishments can never ever totally satisfy the heart's intrinsic desires, which are more lined up with love, satisfaction, and purpose than with mere physical nourishment or wealth.

Furthermore, Quarles's declaration resonates with a spiritual or philosophical dimension. It hints at the concept that real contentment comes not from external acquisitions but from within-- by lining up one's desires with meaningful and purposeful pursuits. The heart's unquenchable desires may undoubtedly be an invite to check out deeper elements of life, seeking satisfaction through relationships, creativity, spiritual development, and self-discovery. In essence, Quarles challenges the reader to reflect on what genuinely satisfies the human heart-- a question as pertinent today as it was in his time.