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.
If you lose money for the firm, I will be forgiving. If you lose reputation, I will be ruthless.
One thing about a film production is that it must run efficiently; there is no room for dead wood. So somebody that hangs around by the coffee wagon won't get hired again, but somebody who is dedicated and works hard and really puts out will get noticed by the people that matter around there and will get asked to come back again.
Everything excellent is as difficult as it is rare.
The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
Most people who open restaurants will fail, because they lack the fundamental understanding of restaurant math. Either they think they're superstar cooks or they think they're superstar hosts.
The North Star has always been the same, which for us, is about making insanely great products that really change the world in some way - enrich people's lives.
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