Meaning: This thought-provoking quote by the famous poet William Blake delves into the nature of holiness and the expectations we place on others. At its core, the quote challenges the traditional notion of holiness and suggests that true angelic nature lies in one's relationship with God rather than in comparison to other beings.

The quote begins by asserting that angels are not inherently holier than humans or devils. This challenges the common perception of angels as inherently pure and perfect beings. Instead, Blake suggests that the defining characteristic of angels is not their inherent nature but rather their lack of expectation of holiness from others. This implies that angels do not judge or demand perfection from those around them. Instead, they reserve their expectations of holiness for God alone.

This concept challenges the human tendency to judge and hold others to certain standards of behavior and morality. It suggests that true holiness lies in the absence of such expectations towards fellow beings and in the exclusive focus on the divine. By placing the source of holiness outside of human interactions, Blake's quote encourages a shift in perspective from judgment and comparison to a more transcendent and individual relationship with the divine.

The quote also touches upon the nature of holiness itself. By emphasizing that angels do not expect holiness from one another, but from God only, Blake highlights the idea that true holiness is rooted in the divine and transcends human interactions and judgments. This challenges the conventional understanding of holiness as a set of moral standards to be upheld in human relationships. Instead, it suggests that holiness is ultimately a matter of one's connection to the divine and the purity of one's intentions and actions in relation to the divine.

Moreover, the quote invites reflection on the nature of expectations in human relationships. It suggests that the absence of expectations of holiness from others is what distinguishes angels, implying that the lack of judgment and demands for perfection in others is a key element of angelic nature. This challenges societal norms that often place high expectations on individuals and create a culture of judgment and comparison. By highlighting the absence of such expectations as a defining characteristic of angels, the quote encourages a more compassionate and accepting approach to human relationships.

In conclusion, William Blake's quote offers a profound perspective on the nature of holiness and the expectations we place on others. By challenging the conventional understanding of angels as inherently holier beings and emphasizing the absence of expectations of holiness from others as a defining characteristic of angelic nature, the quote encourages a shift in perspective towards a more transcendent and compassionate approach to human relationships and the divine. It invites reflection on the nature of holiness, the role of expectations in human interactions, and the true source of purity and holiness in life.