And thou my minde aspire to higher things;_x000D_ _x000D_ Grow rich in that which never taketh rust.
Philip SidneyRead
Shallow brooks murmur most, deep and silent slide away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People who talk a lot often have less depth, while those who are quieter may possess greater wisdom.
This quote suggests that those who are overly vocal or superficial in their thoughts and opinions often lack the depth of understanding found in more contemplative individuals. The contrast between the 'shallow brooks' that make noise and the 'deep and silent' waters highlights the idea that true wisdom and insight are often found in silence, reflection, and depth of thought, rather than in mere chatter or surface-level discussions.
Themes
WisdomDepthSilenceUnderstandingReflection
In practice
Example use cases
During a meeting where many people are speaking over each other, you can use this quote to emphasize the importance of listening and reflecting.
More from Philip Sidney
All quotes βSo, then, the best of the historian is subject to the poet; for whatsoever action or faction, whatsoever counsel, policy, or war-stratagem the historian is bound to recite, that may the poet, if he list, with his imitation make his own, beautifying it both for further teaching and more delighting, as it pleaseth him; having all, from Danteβs Heaven to his Hell, under the authority of his pen.
Philip SidneyRead
A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger.
Philip SidneyRead
Fool," said my muse to me. "Look in thy heart and write.
Philip SidneyRead
If you have so earth-creeping a mind that it cannot lift itself up to look to the sky of poetry... thus much curse I must send you, in the behalf of all poets, that while you live, you live in love, and never get favour for lacking skill of a sonnet; and, when you die, your memory die from the earth for want of an epitaph.
Philip SidneyRead
In forming a judgment, lay your hearts void of foretaken opinions; else, whatsoever is done or said, will be measured by a wrong rule; like them who have jaundice, to whom everything appears yellow.
Philip SidneyRead
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