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The earth is rude, silent, incomprehensible at first; Be not discouraged - keep on - there are divine things, well envelop'd; I swear to you there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell.
Walt Whitman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote encourages perseverance in the face of nature's initial harshness, suggesting that beauty and divinity lie beneath the surface.

Walt Whitman's quote expresses the idea that while nature may initially appear harsh, silent, and difficult to understand, one should not lose hope. By advocating for persistence and exploration, Whitman reveals that there are profound and beautiful experiences awaiting those who look beyond the surface. This perspective invites individuals to appreciate the deeper, often hidden, beauty and divinity present in the world around them.

Themes

NatureBeautyPerseveranceDivineExploration

In practice

Example use cases

During a nature retreat, one might share this quote to inspire others to appreciate the hidden beauty in the environment.

More from Walt Whitman

All music is is what awakes from you when you are reminded by the instruments.
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Did you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
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In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word.
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A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
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And whoever walks a furlong without sympathy walks to his own funeral drest in his shroud.
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