Art is the daughter of freedom.
Friedrich SchillerRead
What reason, like the careful ant, draws laboriously together, the wind of accident sometimes collects in a moment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hard work can be undermined by random chance and unforeseen events.
In this quote, Friedrich Schiller reflects on the contrast between diligent, sustained effort represented by the ant and the unpredictable events represented by the wind of accident. It suggests that no matter how carefully we plan and work towards our goals, sudden changes or unexpected occurrences can alter the outcomes of our endeavors, reminding us of the inherent unpredictability of life.
Themes
Hard WorkChanceEffortAccidentUnpredictability
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about perseverance in the face of setbacks.
More from Friedrich Schiller
All quotes βThere is no such thing as chance; and what seem to us merest accident springs from the deepest source of destiny.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing.
Friedrich SchillerRead
While the womanly god demands our veneration, the godlike woman kindles our love; but while we allow ourselves to melt in the celestial loveliness, the celestial self-sufficiency holds us back in awe.
Friedrich SchillerRead
As noble Art has survived noble nature, so too she marches ahead of it, fashioning and awakening by her inspiration. Before Truth sends her triumphant light into the depths of the heart, imagination catches its rays, and the peaks of humanity will be glowing when humid night still lingers in the valleys.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Wise to resolve, patient to perform.
Friedrich SchillerRead
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