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There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against…

“There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature. They are like gigantic trees that we sometimes see on the banks of a stream; which, by their vast and deep roots, penetrating…” quote by Washington Irving
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“There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature. They are like gigantic trees that we sometimes see on the banks of a stream; which, by their vast and deep roots, penetrating through the mere surface, and laying hold on the very foundations of the earth, preserve the soil around them from being swept away by the ever-flowing current, and hold up many a neighboring plant, and perhaps worthless weed, to perpetuity.”

Washington Irving

About This Quote

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

Some authors anchor themselves in timeless human truths, acting like deep‑rooted trees that stabilize and support surrounding ideas against change.

In simple terms: Authors rooted in human nature provide stability.

Key Takeaway

Value timeless insights over fleeting trends.

Themes

literature human nature stability tradition influence

Mood

thoughtful respectful

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

  • education
  • writing
  • public discourse
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

philosophy cultural continuity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance timeless truths with new ideas?
  • When should tradition yield to innovation?
A Different Perspective

Rigid adherence can resist necessary progress.

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