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
He who would search for pearls must dive below.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To achieve something valuable, one must be willing to make efforts and delve deeply into challenges.
John Dryden's quote suggests that the quest for valuable things in life, represented by 'pearls', requires significant effort and a willingness to confront difficulties. Diving below symbolizes the need to go beyond surface-level understanding or easy paths to discover true worth and rewards, highlighting that all worthwhile pursuits require dedication and introspection.
Themes
PearlsDiveEffortValueSearch
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about perseverance, one might reference this quote to encourage listeners to strive for their goals.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf 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.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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