"Nature herself has never attempted to effect great changes rapidly"
- Quintilian
About this Quote
This quote by Quintilian talks to the concept that nature works gradually and progressively to bring about change. He is suggesting that nature does not try to hurry or force change, but rather takes its time and enables change to take place gradually. This is in contrast to people, who frequently attempt to make drastic modifications quickly. Quintilian is highlighting the importance of perseverance and allowing things to happen in their own time. He is likewise recommending that we should take a cue from nature and not attempt to rush things.
Nature is an effective force and has actually been around for a long time. It has seen many changes and has adjusted to them. It has actually found out to be patient and to take its time in order to produce the wanted outcomes. Nature has also learned that in some cases it is better to take a step back and enable things to occur naturally, rather than attempting to force them.
Quintilian's quote is a suggestion that we ought to take a page from nature's book and not try to rush things. We need to be patient and permit change to take place gradually. We ought to also be mindful of the reality that sometimes it is better to take an action back and let nature take its course.
"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"