"Many a genius has been slow of growth. Oaks that flourish for a thousand years do not spring up into beauty like a reed"

This quote by George Henry Lewes speaks to the concept that success takes some time to establish. It recommends that genius is not something that is attained overnight, but rather something that is cultivated over a long period of time. The metaphor of the oak tree is utilized to highlight this point, as it takes many years for an oak tree to reach its full potential. The reed, on the other hand, is utilized to represent something that is quick to grow and reach its complete capacity. Lewes is recommending that genius is not something that can be accomplished rapidly, but rather something that takes some time and effort to establish. This quote acts as a pointer that success is not something that is achieved overnight, however rather something that is cultivated over a long period of time.