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.
The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.
Arsenal have won that advantage, nobody gave it to them. By playing fantastic football and by winning matches and by winning trophies, they won that respect that the opponent has for them.
I dropped out of NYU, moved out of my parent's house, got my own place, and survived on my own. I made music and worked my way from the bottom up.
To double your net worth, double your self-worth. Because you will never exceed the height of your self-image.
The Nobel is a ticket to one's own funeral. No one has ever done anything after he got it.
You never make any of the shots you never take. 87% of the ones you do take, you'll miss too. I make 110% of my shots.
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