It is by all odds the loftiest of cities. It even managed to reach the highest point in the sky at the lowest moment of the depression.
E. B. WhiteRead
Do you understand how there could be any writing in a spider's web?" "Oh, no," said Dr. Dorian. "I don't understand it. But for that matter I don't understand how a spider learned to spin a web in the first place. When the words appeared, everyone said they were a miracle. But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle." "What's miraculous about a spider's web?" said Mrs. Arable. "I don't see why you say a web is a miracle-it's just a web." "Ever try to spin one?" asked Dr. Dorian.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the miraculous nature of creation, questioning why we overlook the extraordinary in the ordinary.
In this quote from E. B. White, the conversation between Dr. Dorian and Mrs. Arable highlights the often unappreciated wonders of nature, particularly the intricate web spun by a spider. While people marvel at the seemingly miraculous act of writing appearing on the web, they fail to recognize that the web itself—a complex structure created by a spider's natural instinct—is equally miraculous. This dialogue invites us to reflect on the beauty and complexity inherent in the natural world, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the processes that govern life around us.
Themes
SpiderWebMiracleNatureCreation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about environmental conservation, you could use this quote to emphasize the incredible intricacies of nature.
More from E. B. White
All quotes →It isn't silence you can cut with a knife any more, it's interchange of ideas. Intelligent discussion of practically everything is what is breaking up modern marriage.
E. B. WhiteRead
The main thing I try to do is write as clearly as I can. Because I have the greatest respect for the reader, and if he's going to the trouble of reading what I've written -- I'm a slow reader myself and I guess most people are -- why, the least I can do is make it as easy as possible for him to find out what I'm trying to say, trying to get at. I rewrite a good deal to make it clear.
E. B. WhiteRead
A good farmer is nothing more nor less than a handy man with a sense of humus.
E. B. WhiteRead
A despot doesn't fear eloquent writers preaching freedom- he fears a drunken poet who may crack a joke that will take hold.
E. B. WhiteRead
All writing is communication; creative writing is communication through revelation-it is the Self-escaping into the open.
E. B. WhiteRead
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