"There are plenty of ruined buildings in the world but no ruined stones"

This quote by Hugh MacDiarmid talks to the concept of durability and the power of the human spirit. It suggests that while buildings may be damaged, the stones that make them up remain intact. This is a metaphor for the human experience, as we may experience challenge and disaster, but our spirit stays strong and unbroken. The quote implies that no matter how much we might suffer, we can still find strength and hope in the face of difficulty. It is a tip that we are capable of conquering any obstacle, no matter how tough it might appear. The quote likewise speaks to the concept of legacy, as the stones that comprise the structures will remain long after the structures themselves have actually been destroyed. This is a tip that our actions and decisions have enduring effects, which our legacy will reside on long after we are gone.