"General principles... are to the facts as the root and sap of a tree are to its leaves"

This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a metaphor that compares basic concepts to the origin as well as sap of a tree, and also facts to its fallen leaves. The metaphor suggests that general principles are the foundation of truths, just as the origin as well as sap of a tree are the structure of its leaves. The root as well as sap of a tree provide the nutrients and power that the leaves require to grow as well as thrive. In a similar way, basic principles offer the foundation as well as support that require to be comprehended as well as applied. Without general principles, realities would certainly be useless as well as without realities, general principles would be abstract and challenging to understand. This quote stresses the significance of both general concepts and realities in understanding the globe around us.