Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
We have seen when the earth had to be prepared for the habitation of man, a veil, as it were, of intermediate being was spread between him and its darkness, in which were joined in a subdued measure, the stability and insensibility of the earth, and the passion and perishing of mankind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that humanity exists in a state of balance between the stability of the earth and the ephemeral nature of human existence.
John Ruskin's quote reflects on the relationship between humanity and the earth, indicating that before humans could inhabit the planet, a certain 'veil' was created to mediate the harsh realities of existence. This veil symbolizes a blending of the earth's unyielding nature with the fleeting emotions and mortality of mankind, suggesting a complex interplay between stability and transience.
Themes
EarthHumanityBalanceStabilityMortality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about environmental ethics at a conference.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes βIn health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
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