The works of a person that begin immediately to decay…
“The works of a person that begin immediately to decay, while those of him who plants begin directly to improve. In this, planting promises a more lasting pleasure than building; which, were it to remain in equal perfection, would at best begin to moulder and want repairs in imagination. Now trees have a circumstance that suits our taste, and that is annual variety.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Building decays quickly while planting yields lasting benefit; growth endures beyond temporary structures.
In simple terms: Planting lasts longer than building.
Invest in lasting growth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gardening
- urban planning
- personal development
- environmental projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you plant today for future benefit?
- How do you balance building and planting?
Neglecting maintenance can still cause decay.