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About this quote

What does it mean?
Planting a tree is a selfless act that benefits future generations who will never know the planter.
In plain terms
Doing good for the future is a legacy.
What can you take from it?
Invest in things that outlast you.

Where it applies

  • environmental action
  • planning for the future
  • charity

Putting it to work

  • plant trees
  • plan long-term projects

Questions to consider

  • What will you leave behind?
  • Who benefits from your work?

Another view

It focuses on physical legacy rather than immediate impact.

More from Henry van Dyke

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  3. There are many kinds of love, as many kinds of light, And every kind of love makes a glory in the night. There is love that stirs the heart, and love that give…

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