Climbs Quote by Arthur Hugh Clough
“For while the tired waves, vainly breaking, Seem here no painful inch to gain, Far back, through creeks and inlets making, Comes silent, flooding in, the main. And not by eastern windows only, When daylight comes, comes in the light; In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly! But westward, look, the land is bright!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Tide, by Arthur Hugh Clough, 1855
The poem contrasts the relentless, unnoticed advance of the sea with the gradual brightening of the western horizon, suggesting hidden progress despite apparent stagnation.
In simple terms: Even when change seems invisible, it may be occurring unseen.
Key Takeaway
Recognize subtle, unseen growth.
Themes
change
perception
time
nature
hope
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
poetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- coastal erosion
- personal development
- long‑term projects
- environmental observation
Key Concepts
impermanence
gradualism
perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- What unnoticed changes are shaping your life?
- How can you become more aware of subtle shifts?
A Different Perspective
Progress may be too slow to notice without reflection.
![“I've often thought about that and the only suitable member to join me on that climb [to Everest] was George Lowe: he was strong, a good man on a mountain, with a great sense of humour, and I liked that. I think George and I could've done that together ... I've probably never told George that.” quote by Edmund Hillary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/edmund-hillary-3760_climbs_i-ve-often-thought-about-that-and-the-on_12447.jpg)
