You learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of hope.
Og MandinoRead
Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating beauty is a divine act, while destruction can be thoughtless and easy.
This quote by Og Mandino emphasizes the idea that the act of creation, represented by shaping a flower, is a complex and divine activity exclusive to a higher power, symbolizing intricacy and beauty. In contrast, the act of destruction, depicted by the easy act of pulling a flower apart, can be done by anyone and highlights the ease of damaging beauty and the thoughtlessness that often accompanies such actions.
Themes
CreationDestructionNatureBeautyThoughtlessness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about environmental conservation, this quote can illustrate the importance of protecting nature.
More from Og Mandino
All quotes βWhy do we continue to breed little minds who can find no recompense for their own failures other than to belittle and mock the talents, even the dress, of others? When will everyone realize that we are all equal in the eyes of God?
Og MandinoRead
The only certain means of success is to render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what the task may be. This is a habit followed by all successful people since the beginning of time. Therefore I saith the surest way to doom yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid.
Og MandinoRead
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future.
Og MandinoRead
Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better... or quit. Each rebuff is an opportunity to move forward; turn away from them, avoid them, and you throw away your future.
Og MandinoRead
All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath--so what does that make today worth?
Og MandinoRead
Similar quotes
Kinship with all creatures of the earth, sky and water was a real and active principle. In the animal and bird world there existed a brotherly feeling that kept the Lakota safe among them. And so close did some of the Lakotas come to their feathered and furred friends that in true brotherhood they spoke a common tongue.
Luther Standing BearRead
We soon get through with nature. She excites an expectation which she cannot satisfy.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Nature can't evolve a species that hasn't the will to survive. Individuals might be bred to sacrifice themselves, but the race as a whole can never cease to exist.
Orson Scott CardRead
The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, the smell of the wind itself cleansed by a midday rain, or scented with pinon pine. The air is precious to the red man, for all things are the same breath - the animals, the trees, the man.
Chief SeattleRead
I have no hostility to nature, but a child's love to it. I expand and live in the warm day like corn and melons.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away; and if they could, they would still be destroyed - chased and hunted down as long as fun or a dollar could be got out of their bark hides, branching horns, or magnificent bole backbones.
John MuirRead