There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a profound appreciation for the beauty and intricacy of nature, emphasizing that every small detail is fascinating.
Thomas Jefferson's quote reflects his deep admiration for nature, suggesting that even the simplest elements, like a sprig of grass, have inherent value and interest. It invites us to view the world with curiosity and appreciation, recognizing that there is beauty in every aspect of the natural environment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
In practice
In a speech about environmental awareness, you could use this quote to encourage others to appreciate the small details of nature.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
Thank God I have the seeing eye, that is to say, as I lie in bed I can walk step by step on the fells and rough land seeing every stone and flower and patch of bog and cotton pass where my old legs will never take me again.
It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever.
We develop our beautiful planet in such a way that we brush aside the species... we risk creating a wasteland, where our aspirations will ultimately wither and die
Come out to view / the truth of flowers blooming / in poverty.
The reason to preserve wilderness is that we need it. We need wilderness of all kinds, large and small, public and private. Wee need to go now and again into places where our work is disallowed, where our hopes and plans have no standing. We need to come into the presence of the unqualified and mysterious formality of Creation.
Nature is the only body of God that we shall ever see.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.