You cannot see the Grand Canyon in one view, as if it were a changeless spectacle from which a curtain might be lifted, but to see it you have to toil from month to month through its labyrinths.
Interpretation
The Grand Canyon is a vast and complex landscape that cannot be fully appreciated at once; it requires time and effort to explore its depths.
John Wesley Powell's quote emphasizes the idea that the Grand Canyon, much like many significant experiences in life, cannot be understood or appreciated in a single glance. Instead, it invites us to invest time and effort to explore its intricate details, suggesting that true understanding comes from gradual exploration and perseverance rather than superficial observation.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the process of achieving goals, this quote can illustrate the value of perseverance.
The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail.
If nature were a bank, they would have already rescued it.
Between our two lives there is also the life of the cherry blossom.
Nature does not suffer her veil to be taken from her, and what she does not choose to reveal to the spirit, thou wilt not wrest from her by levers and screws.
Birding, after all, is just a game. Going beyond that is what is important.
Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"... "It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine.
I watched what method Nature might take, with intention of subduing the symptom by treading in her footsteps.
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