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About this quote

What does it mean?
The most pleasant and virtuous things are often modest and quiet rather than showy.
In plain terms
The sweetest flowers are the ones that hide away.
What can you take from it?
Value modesty over loud displays.

Where it applies

  • assessing character
  • appreciating nature

Putting it to work

  • respect quiet people
  • look beyond surface

Questions to consider

  • Does quiet mean valuable?
  • Where do you find true beauty?

Another view

Not all quiet things are sweet.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. We feel that we are greater than we know.

    Permalink to quote #68
  2. Lives there a man whose sole delights Are trivial pomp and city noise, Hardening a heart that loathes or slights What every natural heart enjoys?

    Permalink to quote #70
  3. Enough, if something from our hands have power To live, and act, and serve the future hour.

    Permalink to quote #67

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