Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Great oaks grow from little acorns. He has a green thumb. He has green fingers. He's sowing his wild oats. Here Ceres' gifts in waving prospect stand, And nodding tempt the joyful reaper's hand.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Small beginnings can lead to great outcomes.
This quote emphasizes the idea that even the mightiest of things often start from humble beginnings, as illustrated by the growth of a great oak tree from a mere acorn. It also hints at the nurturing and cultivation required to support growth, reflecting the relationship between effort and results in both nature and human endeavors.
Themes
GrowthNatureBeginningsPotentialCultivation
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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