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[M]rs. Miniver was beginning to feel more than a little…

“[M]rs. Miniver was beginning to feel more than a little weary of exchanging ideas (especially political ones) and of hearing other people exchange theirs. It's all very well, she reflected, when the ideas have had time to flower, or at least to bud, so that we can pick them judiciously, present…” quote by Jan Struther
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““[M]rs. Miniver was beginning to feel more than a little weary of exchanging ideas (especially political ones) and of hearing other people exchange theirs. It's all very well, she reflected, when the ideas have had time to flower, or at least to bud, so that we can pick them judiciously, present them with a bow, and watch them unfold in the warmth of each other's understanding: but there is far too much nowadays of pulling up the wretched little things just to see how they are growing. Half the verbal sprigs we hand each other are nothing but up-ended rootlets, earthy and immature: left longer in the ground they might have come to something, but once they are exposed we seldom manage to replant them. It is largely the fault, no doubt, of the times we live in. Things happen too quickly, crisis follows crisis, the soil of our minds is perpetually disturbed. Each of us, to relieve his feels, broadcasts his own running commentary on the preposterous and bewildering events of the hour: and this, nowadays, is what passes for conversation.””

Jan Struther

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Modern fast‑paced communication often reduces ideas to shallow fragments, preventing thoughtful development and meaningful exchange.

In simple terms: Ideas are rushed, losing depth.

Key Takeaway

Allow ideas time to mature before sharing.

Themes

communication patience depth

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • online debates
  • creative brainstorming
  • educational discussions

Key Concepts

media theory cognitive overload

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster deeper dialogue?
  • What practices nurture idea growth?
A Different Perspective

Rushing ideas can lead to misunderstandings.

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