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There are nettles everywhere, but smooth, green grasses are more common still; the blue of heaven is larger than the cloud.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the idea that despite challenges (nettles), beauty and positivity (green grasses and blue heaven) are more prevalent in life.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's quote suggests that while negativity or difficulties (represented by nettles) are ubiquitous, they are overshadowed by the greater presence of beauty and positivity (represented by smooth, green grasses and the expansive blue of heaven). It invites us to focus on the more positive aspects of life and recognize that, although obstacles may exist, there is always a larger backdrop of beauty and hope.

Themes

BeautyPositivityChallengesNaturePerspective

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational talk about overcoming adversity.

More from Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
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She has seen the mystery hid Under Egypt's pyramid: By those eyelids pale and close Now she knows what Rhamses knows.
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First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white.
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Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
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Our Euripides the human, With his droppings of warm tears, and his touchings of things common Till they rose to meet the spheres.
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Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
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