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Meaning
The quote suggests that a flower, though small and quiet, can have a powerful effect on even the most proud and dominant beings. It presents beauty as something that can humble strength and self-importance. The “glance” of a flower is portrayed as enough to alter attitude or feeling.
When It Was Said
1916
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
chapter 5: Through Florida Swamps and Forests, page 151
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote, so the attribution is probable rather than fully verified.
Did You Know?
Wikiquote cites this in chapter 5, "Through Florida Swamps and Forests," page 151.
About John Muir
Scottish-born American naturalist and writer
John Muir was a Scottish-born American naturalist and writer, active in the 19th and early 20th centuries. He is remembered as an early and influential voice for preserving wilderness in the United States. Muir also worked as an environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, and glaciologist. He is associated with the names “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks,” titles that reflect his lasting role in shaping wilderness preservation and the language around it.
More from John Muir (102 quotes) →Other sayings from John Muir
- “All the world lies warm in one heart, yet the Sierra seems to get more light than other mountains. The weathe…”John Muir
- “The forests of America, however slighted by man, must have been a great delight to God; for they were the bes…”John Muir
- “There is a love of wild nature in everybody, an ancient mother-love showing itself whether recognized or no,…”John Muir
- “The redwood is one of the few conifers that sprout from the stump and roots, and it declares itself willing t…”John Muir
Power: more sayings
- “For an artist, a good place to be is you have some kind of influence and power to get things done, but in you…”Cai Guo-Qiang
- “We already punch well above our weight thanks to our economic might, our military and our soft power. That is…”Julia Hartley-Brewer
- “The best opportunities sometimes have the worst appearances.The poorest people sometimes have the richest min…”Matshona Dhliwayo
READ THE SOURCE
Books by John Muir
The mountains of California
1894
The story of my boyhood and youth
1913
Steep Trails
2004
John Muir
2000
A thousand-mile walk to the Gulf
1916