Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
Mountains are to the rest of the body of the earth, what violent muscular action is to the body of man. The muscles and tendons of its anatomy are, in the mountain, brought out with force and convulsive energy, full of expression, passion, and strength.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote compares mountains to the muscular strength and energy of the human body, emphasizing their powerful presence.
John Ruskin likens the grandeur and raw power of mountains to the muscular action of the human body. He suggests that just as the muscles and tendons exhibit strength and vitality, mountains embody a similar force, representing a dynamic and expressive part of the Earth's anatomy. This analogy highlights the majestic and overwhelming nature of mountains, portraying them as vital and aggressive manifestations of natural power.
Themes
MountainsStrengthNaturePowerEarth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a nature conservation speech to emphasize the importance of preserving mountainous landscapes.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes →In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
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