This is my child. I planted it. I saw it grow. I loved it. Don't cut it down.
Interpretation
The speaker expresses deep affection and attachment to something they nurtured and developed, pleading for its preservation.
In this quote, R.K. Narayan conveys a profound sense of connection and love towards something that has been cared for and cultivated over time. The imagery of planting and watching it grow symbolizes a nurturing relationship, whether it be with a loved one, a project, or a dream. The plea to 'not cut it down' highlights the vulnerability of what one has cherished and the emotional pain that comes with loss.
In practice
During a speech about community gardening, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of nurturing the environment.
We come together only to go apart again. The law of life can't be avoided. The law comes into operation the moment we detach ourselves from our mother's womb. All struggle & misery in life is due to our attempt to arrest this law or get away from it or in allowing ourselves to be hurt by it. The fact must be recognized. A profound unmitigated loneliness is the only truth of life. All else is false. The law of life. No sense in battling against it.
A man when he is making up to anybody can be cordial and gallant and full of little attentions and altogether charming. But when a man is really in love he can't help looking like a sheep.
I think the whole world is dying to hear someone say, 'I love you.' I think that if I can leave the legacy of love and passion in the world, then I think I've done my job in a world that's getting colder and colder by the day.
There was her face, like a summer peach, beautiful and warm, and the light of the candles reflected in her dark eyes. [He] held his breath. The entire world waited and held its breath.
There is hardly a more gracious gift that we can offer somebody than to accept them fully, to love them almost despite themselves.
As far as love is concerned, possession, power, fusion and disenchantment are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
[T]o love a specific person, and to identify with his or her struggles and joys as if they were your own, you have to surrender some of your self.
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