Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies, I hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower - but if I could understand What you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A flower held in hand represents how understanding even one small thing could reveal universal truths.
- In plain terms
- If I could understand this small flower completely, I would understand God and people.
- What can you take from it?
- Deep knowledge of the small reveals truths about the whole.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What small thing could teach us a lot?
- Can nature show us spiritual truth?
Another view
The assumption that one small object contains all answers is scientifically reductive.
More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson
Speak to Him thou for He hears, and Spirit with Spirit can meet - Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.
Permalink to quote #32 Thou that singest wheat and woodland, tilth and vineyard, hive and horse and herd; All the charm of all the Muses often flowering in a lonely word.
Permalink to quote #34 For nothing worthy proving can be proven, Nor yet disproven: wherefore thou be wise, Cleave ever to the sunnier side of doubt, And cling to Faith beyond the fo…
Permalink to quote #35
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