One kernel is felt in a hogshead; one drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act.
Hannah MoreRead
Since trifles make the sum of human things, And half our misery from our foibles springs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Small details significantly impact human experiences, and many of our troubles arise from our shortcomings.
This quote by Hannah More highlights the idea that the small and often overlooked aspects of life, or trifles, collectively contribute to the overall human experience. It suggests that our minor flaws and imperfections, or foibles, are the source of much of our suffering, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and addressing these details in our lives.
Themes
TriflesHuman ExperienceMiseryFoiblesDetails
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, one might use this quote to emphasize the significance of self-reflection.
More from Hannah More
All quotes βMan can see his reflection in water only when he bends down close to it, and the heart of man, too, must lean down to the heart of his fellow; then it will see itself within his heart.
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Absence in love is like water upon fire; a little quickens, but much extinguishes it.
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Everything which relates to God is infinite. We must therefore, while we keep our hearts humble, keep our aims high. Our highest services are indeed but finite, imperfect. But as God is unlimited in goodness, He should have our unlimited love.
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Affliction is the school in which great virtues are acquired, in which great characters are formed.
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He who cannot find time to consult his Bible will one day find he has time to be sick; he who has no time to pray must find time to die; he who can find no time to reflect is most likely to find time to sin; he who cannot find time for repentance will find an eternity in which repentance will be of no avail; he who cannot find time to work for others may find an eternity in which to suffer for himself.
Hannah MoreRead
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