Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Time, place, and action may with pains be wrought, but genius must be born; and never can be taught.
Interpretation
Genius is innate and cannot be taught like skills or actions that can be learned over time.
This quote emphasizes the belief that while circumstances like time, place, and actions can be influenced or developed through effort, true genius is a natural gift that one is born with. It suggests that creative brilliance is not something that can be instilled through education or practice, but rather, it is an inherent quality that some individuals possess.
In practice
In a discussion about talent vs. hard work, you might quote this to emphasize the unique nature of genius.
Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
I learned a long time ago that I can't control the challenges the creator sends my way, but I can control the way I think about them and deal with them
Iβve been through all this before,β he says to his heart. β βYes, you have been through all this before,β replies his heart. βBut you have never been beyond it.
What you do has far greater impact than what you say.
Isn't it funny how something that will later be a blessing can be a curse if you get it too soon.
Expressing thankfulness in advance is the way of all Masters. So do not wait for a thing to happen and then give thanks. Give thanks before it happens, and watch energies swirl! To thank God before something occurs is an act of extraordinary faith. And that, of course, is where the power comes from.
Either your troubles make you better, or they make you bitter. We must always examine whatβs going on in our hearts.
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