QuoteProject
It is from the midst of this putrid sewer that the greatest river of human industry springs up and carries fertility to the whole world. From this foul drain pure gold flows forth.
Alexis De Tocqueville
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Great potential can emerge from dire circumstances.

This quote by Alexis De Tocqueville suggests that even in the worst conditions, such as a 'putrid sewer,' remarkable growth and success can arise, symbolized by the 'greatest river of human industry.' It highlights the idea that challenges and negativity can be the breeding grounds for innovation and prosperity, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Themes

AdversityGrowthPotentialIndustryChange

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech about overcoming challenges.

More from Alexis De Tocqueville

The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Democratic communities have a natural taste for freedom: left to themselves they will seek it, cherish it, and view any deprivation of it with regret. But for equality their passion is ardent, insatiable, incessant, invincible: they call for equality in freedom; and if they cannot obtain that, they still call for equality in slavery.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colours breaking through.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead

Similar quotes

There is no losing in Jiu-Jitsu. You either win or you learn.
Carlos Gracie, Jr.Read
I think a child should be allowed to take his father's or mother's name at will on coming of age. Paternity is a legal fiction.
James JoyceRead
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand! Oh, oh, oh!
William ShakespeareRead
The subjectivist states his judgements, whereas the objectivist sweeps them under the carpet by calling assumptions knowledge, and he basks in the glorious objectivity of science.
I. J. GoodRead
The tradition of nonviolence, optimism, concern for the individual, and unconditional compassion that developed in Tibet is the culmination of a slow inner revolution, a cool one, hard to see, that began 2,500 years ago with the Buddha's insight about the end of suffering. What I have learned from these people has forever changed my life, and I believe their culture contains an inner science particularly relevant to the difficult time in which we live.
Robert ThurmanRead
Whatever we have done with our lives makes us what we are when we die. And everything, absolutely everything, counts.
Sogyal RinpocheRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.