Grasshoppers Quote by Edmund Burke
““Because half a dozen grasshoppers under a fern make the field ring with their importunate chink, whilst thousands of great cattle, reposed beneath the shadow of the British oak, chew the cud and are silent, pray do not imagine that those who make the noise are the only inhabitants of the field.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, 1790
Uses natural imagery to argue that silent, powerful forces exist alongside noisy ones, warning against equating noise with significance.
In simple terms: Quiet strength matters too.
Recognize unseen influences.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- organizational leadership
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify silent contributors?
- What role does quiet power play in your field?
Noise can distract from deeper truths.