Strength may wield the ponderous spade, May turn the clod, and wheel the compost home; But elegance, chief grace the garden shows, And most attractive, is the fair result Of thought, the creature of a polished mind.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of elegance and thoughtfulness in creating beauty, particularly in gardening.
William Cowper's quote highlights the distinction between brute strength and refined elegance in the process of gardening. While physical strength is necessary for tasks like turning soil and managing compost, it is the elegance and the thoughtful approach that truly define the beauty of a garden. This suggests that thoughtful planning and creativity are what elevate a simple garden into a work of art, showcasing the value of a polished mind over mere physical labor.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of creativity in design.
Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, the mere materials with which wisdom builds, till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
This cabin, Mary, in my sight appears,_x000D_ _x000D_ Built as it has been in our waning years,_x000D_ _x000D_ A rest afforded to our weary feet,_x000D_ _x000D_ Preliminary to - the last retreat.
No wisdom that she may gain by experience and reflection hereafter, will compensate the loss of her present hilarity.
Even in the stifling bosom of the town,_x000D_ _x000D_ A garden, in which nothing thrives, has charms_x000D_ _x000D_ That soothes the rich possessor; much consol'd,_x000D_ _x000D_ That here and there some sprigs of mournful mint,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or nightshade, or valerian, grace the well_x000D_ _x000D_ He cultivates.
Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa around, And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column, and the cups That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, So let us welcome peaceful evening in
Thus happiness depends, as nature shows, less on exterior things than most suppose.
The world of a comic strip ought to be a special place with its own logic and life... I don't want the issue of Hobbes's reality settled by a doll manufacturer.
Any time is the time to make a poem.
Wrestling was like stand-up comedy for me. Every night I had a live audience of 25,000 people to win over. My goal was never to be the loudest or the craziest. It was to be the most entertaining.
If we could but paint with the hand what we see with the eye.
Are not beauty and delicacy the same?
I mean, give me a guitar, give me a piano, give me a broom and string, I wouldn't get bored anywhere.
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