"A little and a little, collected together, becomes a great deal; the heap in the barn consists of single grains, and drop and drop make the inundation"
- Saadi
About this Quote
This quote by Saadi talks to the power of little, incremental actions. It suggests that even the smallest of efforts can have a big impact when integrated. The metaphor of a barn filled with single grains of wheat is utilized to highlight this point. Each grain is unimportant on its own, but when gathered together, they end up being a good deal. This resembles how little, consistent actions can build up with time to create a large result. The quote also mentions an "inundation", which is a flood or an overwhelming quantity of something. This is a reminder that even the tiniest of actions can have a large, powerful result when combined.
The quote motivates us to take little steps towards our goals, as these little actions can amount to something much bigger. It likewise reminds us that even the smallest of contributions can have a big effect. We need to not undervalue the power of small, incremental actions, as they can lead to fantastic outcomes. This quote is a pointer that we should not be prevented by the smallness of our efforts, as they can cause terrific things when integrated.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"