You learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of hope.
Og MandinoRead
Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating beauty is a divine act, while destruction can be thoughtless and easy.
This quote by Og Mandino emphasizes the idea that the act of creation, represented by shaping a flower, is a complex and divine activity exclusive to a higher power, symbolizing intricacy and beauty. In contrast, the act of destruction, depicted by the easy act of pulling a flower apart, can be done by anyone and highlights the ease of damaging beauty and the thoughtlessness that often accompanies such actions.
Themes
CreationDestructionNatureBeautyThoughtlessness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about environmental conservation, this quote can illustrate the importance of protecting nature.
More from Og Mandino
All quotes βWhy do we continue to breed little minds who can find no recompense for their own failures other than to belittle and mock the talents, even the dress, of others? When will everyone realize that we are all equal in the eyes of God?
Og MandinoRead
The only certain means of success is to render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what the task may be. This is a habit followed by all successful people since the beginning of time. Therefore I saith the surest way to doom yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid.
Og MandinoRead
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future.
Og MandinoRead
Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better... or quit. Each rebuff is an opportunity to move forward; turn away from them, avoid them, and you throw away your future.
Og MandinoRead
All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath--so what does that make today worth?
Og MandinoRead
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It would be better if there were but one inhabitant to a square mile, as where I live.
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We can find Nature outside us only if we have first learned to know her within us. What is akin to her within us must be our guide. This marks out our path of enquiry.
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You could look at something a hundred times from space, but the next time you come around the world, suddenly it's very different and gorgeous-looking, just because of the change of weather or the angle of the sun.
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Finally, by the sea, where God is everywhere, I gradually calmed.
Patti SmithRead