Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil.
Interpretation
Fame is not something that can be cultivated easily; it is elusive and often beyond the control of individuals.
In this quote, John Milton suggests that fame is not something that can be easily achieved through effort or cultivation, as it does not grow from the ordinary aspects of human life. Instead, it highlights the transient and fragile nature of fame, implying that it is often not rooted in reality but rather in public perception and circumstances beyond one's personal control.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the nature of success, one might say, 'Remember, fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil; it's fleeting and should not define your worth.'
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
I think you've got to pay the price for anything that's worthwhile, and success is paying the price. You've got to pay the price to win, you've got to pay the price to stay on top, and you 've got to pay the price to get there.
One of the myths you see in entrepreneurship is that people have this dream one night, wake up the next morning, and start building it. It's actually much more of an iterative process.
I just wanted to play tennis. It wasn't a job. It was an ambition. I knew I could make money at it. I was 18 - old enough to think I could do it, young enough not to consider the consequences.
The greatest achievement was, at first, and for a time, but a dream.
Fame sweeps you away. I had to go home every six months to remember who I am.
Everything I have, I owe to baseball and the Dodgers.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.