There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a profound appreciation for the beauty and intricacy of nature, emphasizing that every small detail is fascinating.
Thomas Jefferson's quote reflects his deep admiration for nature, suggesting that even the simplest elements, like a sprig of grass, have inherent value and interest. It invites us to view the world with curiosity and appreciation, recognizing that there is beauty in every aspect of the natural environment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
In practice
In a speech about environmental awareness, you could use this quote to encourage others to appreciate the small details of nature.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
When you drink in nature through your senses, you deepen your awareness of the great silent intelligence flowing through all things. You nourish your mind, body, and spirit as you connect to the divine love of Being.
A man could be a lover and defender of the wilderness without ever in his lifetime leaving the boundaries of asphalt, powerlines, and right-angled surfaces. We need wilderness whether or not we ever set foot in it. We need a refuge even though we may never need to set foot in it. We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope; without it the life of the cities would drive all men into crime or drugs or psychoanalysis.
I flew helicopters, which actually is the second best view of the earth. The first best view is, I think, a little bit higher.
I'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union.
Nature paints not; In oils, but frescoes the great dome of heaven; With sunsets, and the lovely forms of clouds; And flying vapors.
A little child paddles a little boat, Drifting about, and picking white lotuses. He does not know how to hide his tracks, And duckweed's opened up along his path.
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