I hope, if you should live to grow up, you will endeavour to be very useful and not spend all your time in pleasing yourself.
Elizabeth FryRead
The loveliest, sweetest flower that bloomed in paradise, and the first that died, has rarely blossomed since on mortal soil. It is so frail, so delicate, a thing, it is gone if it but look upon itself; and she who ventures to esteem it hers proves by that single thought she has it not.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the ephemeral nature of beauty and love, suggesting that true appreciation can lessen its value.
Elizabeth Fry's quote captures the fragility of beautiful things, especially love, implying that their rarity and delicacy make them incredibly precious. It conveys a profound truth about how possessing something as beautiful as love can alter its value, as true admiration may come with the realization of its unattainable nature, leading to a deeper sense of loss and longing.
Themes
LoveBeautyFragilityLossAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a wedding ceremony to highlight the delicate nature of love.
More from Elizabeth Fry
All quotes →Similar quotes
As I hope_x000D_ _x000D_ For quiet days, fair issue, and long life,_x000D_ _x000D_ With such love as 'tis now, the murkiest den,_x000D_ _x000D_ The most opportune place, the strong'st suggestion_x000D_ _x000D_ Our worser genius can, shall never melt_x000D_ _x000D_ Mine honour into lust, to take away_x000D_ _x000D_ The edge of that day's celebration,_x000D_ _x000D_ When I shall think or Phoebus' steeds are founder'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Or Night kept chain'd below.
William ShakespeareRead
Whatever you do, crush the infamous thing, and love those who love you.
VoltaireRead
What is important is how well we love. God will make our _x000D_ love fruitful, whether we see that fruitfulness or not.
Henri NouwenRead
Greeting cards routinely tell us everybody deserves love. No. Everybody deserves clean water. Not everybody deserves love all the time.
Zadie SmithRead
Charity, patience and tenderness are very beautiful gifts. If you have them, you want to share them with others.
Pope FrancisRead
I may not be a smart man, but I know what love is.
Winston GroomRead