Every one is weary, the poore in seeking, the rich in keeping, the good in learning.
What did George Herbert mean by:

Every one is weary, the poore in seeking, the rich in keeping, the good in learning.

This quote encapsulates the universal human experience of fatigue or weariness that comes from our individual pursuits, regardless of our social status or moral standing. It suggests that everyone, whether poor, rich, or virtuous, experiences a form of exhaustion in their respective life journeys.

“The poor in seeking” might refer to the relentless pursuit of basic needs and resources by those who lack them. This could involve searching for employment opportunities, stable housing, food security etc., which can be physically and mentally draining.

“The rich in keeping” speaks to the stress and anxiety associated with maintaining wealth. The wealthy often face pressures related to investment decisions, asset management and potential loss of wealth. Their weariness stems from their constant efforts to preserve and grow their fortunes.

“The good in learning” refers to individuals who are morally upright or virtuous constantly striving for personal growth and improvement. These people might experience fatigue as they engage in a continuous process of learning – not just academic or professional learning but also ethical education about how best to live one’s life.

In today’s world this idea is particularly relevant because society has become more competitive and demanding than ever before. People across different socio-economic strata are pushing themselves harder – either out of necessity (like the poor), ambition (like the rich), or an innate desire for self-improvement (like the good).

From a personal development perspective this quote can serve as a reminder that weariness is part-and-parcel with any kind of pursuit – be it materialistic gain or intellectual growth – hence it’s crucial to find balance between striving towards goals while also taking care not overstrain oneself physically or mentally. It reinforces the importance of rest alongside work; relaxation alongside ambition; contemplation alongside action – essentially suggesting we should strive for harmony between different aspects of life rather than allowing one aspect dominate at cost others thereby leading us into state chronic fatigue.

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