Autumn Quote by Eva Ibbotson
“Please, God,' Ruth would pray, 'don't let me be competitive. Let me realize what a privilege it is to study. Let me remember that knowledge must be pursued for its own sake and please, please stop me wanting to beat Verena Plackett in the exams.' She prayed hard and she meant what she said. But God was busy that autumn as the International Brigade came back, defeated, from Spain, Hitler's bestialities increased, and sparrows everywhere continued to fall.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Secret of Platform 5 by Eva Ibbotson, 1998
A prayer for humility and love of learning is contrasted with a world of war and cruelty, highlighting the tension between personal ideals and harsh realities.
In simple terms: Seek knowledge for its own sake despite external turmoil.
Key Takeaway
Value learning over competition.
Themes
humility
learning
war
morality
faith
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- exam preparation
- academic pursuits
- ethical reflection
- historical study
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
historical context
personal struggle
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal ambition with ethical responsibility?
- What role does humility play in learning?
A Different Perspective
The quote ideal personal prayer with global conflict, which may oversimplify complex historical causes.
