QuoteProject
The apple tree never asks the beech how he shall grow, nor the lion, the horse, how he shall take his prey.
William Blake
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Each being has its own path and should not seek validation or guidance from others on how to thrive.

This quote by William Blake emphasizes the importance of individual growth and self-discovery. Just as an apple tree grows according to its innate nature without consulting the beech tree, and a lion hunts according to its instinct without seeking advice from a horse, it suggests that each person should embrace their unique identity and approach to life, free from the pressure to conform to others' ways.

Themes

GrowthIndividualitySelf-DiscoveryWisdomNature

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of following one's own path.

More from William Blake

Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
William BlakeRead
O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
William BlakeRead
Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
William BlakeRead
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
William BlakeRead

Similar quotes

In the craziness of our world, it takes tremendous effort to find a quiet place. It takes time to quiet your mind and your heart before the Lord.
Francis ChanRead
The big trouble with dumb bastards is that they are too dumb to believe there is such a thing as being smart.
Kurt VonnegutRead
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
LaoziRead
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
Haruki MurakamiRead
That is the challenge Companion. To take what has happened to you and learn from it. Nothing is quite so destructive as pity, especially self-pity. No event in life is so terrible that one cannot rise above it.
Robin HobbRead
I've met the Dalai Lama briefly, but I would probably say my grandfather was the wisest person I ever met. He was my mother's father, an Indian, a family doctor, and very unlike me in that he was deeply religious.
Salman RushdieRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.