But mankind is a dead tree, covered with fine brilliant…
““But mankind is a dead tree, covered with fine brilliant galls of people.[..]And if it is so, why is it? she asked, hostile.They were rousing each other to a fine passion of opposition. Why, why are people all balls of bitter dust?Because they won't fall off the tree when they're ripe.They hang on to their old positions when the position is over-past, till they become infested with little worms and dry-rot.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People cling to outdated beliefs, becoming decayed like rotting fruit.
In simple terms: Clinging to old ideas leads to decay.
Question and update your beliefs.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- organizational change
- cultural shifts
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs are you holding onto?
- How does decay manifest in society?
Changing beliefs can be painful and resisted.