contain multitudes
Filed under C
In a sentence
- She may seem quiet, but she contains multitudes – she has many interests and talents.
- He is a complex character who contains multitudes – he can be both kind and ruthless.
- The book explores the idea that every person contains multitudes of emotions and contradictions.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "contain multitudes" has its origins in a famous line from Walt Whitman's poem "Song of Myself." The complete line goes, "Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself; I am large, I contain multitudes." This phrase, used by Whitman, suggests that individuals are complex and contain various contradictory aspects.
Over time, the idiom "contain multitudes" has come to signify the idea that a person or thing can encompass a wide range of characteristics or experiences. It emphasizes the notion that individuals are not easily defined or limited to a single identity or perspective. This concept of individuals containing multitudes has become deeply embedded in our understanding of human nature.
The idiom is often used to describe the concept of a "mixed bag," where a person or thing has a combination of positive and negative qualities. In this context, "contain multitudes" acknowledges that people can have diverse attributes, both good and bad, which coexist within them. It recognizes that individuals are not purely good or bad, but rather a mix of both.
The phrase "contain multitudes" offers a profound insight into the complex nature of humanity. It reminds us that individuals are not easily defined or confined to a single set of characteristics. Instead, they encompass a range of attributes, beliefs, and emotions that can coexist and sometimes contradict one another. This idiom serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and intricacies of human nature, inviting us to explore and accept the multifaceted aspects that make us who we are.
Neighbouring idioms
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.