It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours.
William Ellery ChanningRead
We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order to reach its fruit; but the same blunder is made by every person who is over eager and impatient in the pursuit of pleasure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that impatience in seeking immediate gratification can lead to missed opportunities and negative consequences.
William Ellery Channing's quote warns against the folly of rushing towards pleasure without considering the long-term repercussions. Just as a savage harms a tree to obtain its fruit without thinking about the sustainability of it, individuals often act recklessly in their eagerness for pleasure, losing sight of the wisdom that patience can bring. It serves as a reminder to evaluate the means by which we seek enjoyment and to understand that true fulfillment often requires waiting and thoughtful consideration.
Themes
PatiencePleasureIgnoranceWisdomConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of patience.
More from William Ellery Channing
All quotes →No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent.
William Ellery ChanningRead
I laugh, for hope hath a happy place with me; If my boat sinks, 'tis to another sea.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance.
William Ellery ChanningRead
He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and you will see the effect when the weaving of a life-time is unraveled.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Influence is to be measured, not by the extent of surface it covers, but by its kind.
William Ellery ChanningRead
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