Thirsty Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon
““A certain man placed a fountain by the wayside, and he hung up a cup near to it by a little chain. He was told some time after that a great art-critic had found much fault with its design. ‘But,’ said he, ‘do many thirsty persons drink at it?””
About This Quote
The story illustrates that practical usefulness outweighs aesthetic criticism; a creation’s value lies in serving real needs, not just pleasing critics.
In simple terms: Utility trumps aesthetic judgment.
Key Takeaway
Function matters more than form.
Themes
practicality
criticism
service
humility
effectiveness
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
aphorism
parable
When to use this quote
- designing public amenities
- evaluating art projects
- responding to feedback
- building community resources
Key Concepts
value of utility
human need
critic vs creator
Practical Applications
- prioritizing user needs in product design
- defending functional work against aesthetic critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance form and function?
- When should you heed criticism?
A Different Perspective
Aesthetic standards can inspire innovation and elevate experiences beyond mere functionality.
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
