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About this quote

What does it mean?
Seeing clearly and describing it simply is the highest human achievement, combining poetry, prophecy, and religion.
In plain terms
The best thing to do is see things clearly and describe them simply.
What can you take from it?
Clear vision and simple truth are the highest forms of human expression.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • leadership
  • observation

Putting it to work

  • practice observation
  • simplify your writing

Questions to consider

  • Do you see clearly?
  • Do you tell the truth simply?

Another view

This elevates seeing above thinking or acting, which may be limiting.

More from John Ruskin

  1. It is only the basest writer who cannot speak of the sea without talking of 'raging waves,' 'remorseless floods,' 'ravenous billows,' etc.; and it is one of th…

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  2. To invent a story, or admirably and thoroughly tell any part of a story, it is necessary to grasp the entire mind of every personage concerned in it, and know …

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. And thus, in full, there are four classes: the men who feel nothing, and therefore see truly; the men who feel strongly, think weakly, and see untruly (second …

    Permalink to quote #37

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