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Only the poet or the saint can water an asphalt pavement…

“Only the poet or the saint can water an asphalt pavement in the confident anticipation that lilies will reward his labour.” quote by Somerset maugham
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““Only the poet or the saint can water an asphalt pavement in the confident anticipation that lilies will reward his labour.””

Somerset maugham

About This Quote

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

Only a poet or saint can hope that barren ground will yield beauty, trusting in unseen reward.

In simple terms: Only dreamers expect miracles from unlikely places.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate hopeful imagination.

Themes

hope creativity faith

Mood

dreamy optimistic

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • artistic projects
  • personal goals
  • gardening

Key Concepts

literature metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • What “asphalt” are you tending?
  • How do you balance hope with realism?
A Different Perspective

Hope may ignore practical limitations.

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