---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Doubt swells and surges, with swelling…"
description: "\"“Doubt swells and surges, with swelling doubt behind! My soul in storm is but a tattered sail, Streaming its ribbons on the torrent gale; In calm, 'tis..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/510/george-macdonald-295_flowers_doubt-swells-and-surges-with-swelling-do_3059973.jpg"
---

#  Doubt swells and surges, with swelling doubt behind! My…

![“Doubt swells and surges, with swelling doubt behind! My soul in storm is but a tattered sail, Streaming its ribbons on the torrent gale; In calm, 'tis but a limp and flapping thing: Oh! swell it with thy breath; make it a wing, To sweep through thee the ocean, with thee the wind Nor rest until in…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/510/george-macdonald-295_flowers_doubt-swells-and-surges-with-swelling-do_3059973.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/510/george-macdonald-295_flowers_doubt-swells-and-surges-with-swelling-do_3059973.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/510/george-macdonald-295_flowers_doubt-swells-and-surges-with-swelling-do_3059973.jpg)

> ““Doubt swells and surges, with swelling doubt behind! My soul in storm is but a tattered sail, Streaming its ribbons on the torrent gale; In calm, 'tis but a limp and flapping thing: Oh! swell it with thy breath; make it a wing, To sweep through thee the ocean, with thee the wind Nor rest until in thee its haven it shall find. Roses are scentless, hopeless are the morns, Rest is but weakness, laughter crackling thorns, But love is life. To die of love is then The only pass to higher life than this. All love is death to loving, living men; All deaths are leaps across clefts to the abyss. Weakness needs pity, sometimes love's rebuke; Strength only sympathy deserves and draws - And grows by every faithful loving look. Ripeness must always come with loss of might.””

[George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-macdonald/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Inner turmoil can be transformed into strength when love and perseverance turn doubt into a guiding force.

**In simple terms:** Turn doubt into strength through love and effort.

Key Takeaway

Embrace love to overcome doubt.

Themes

love perseverance transformation inner conflict growth

Mood

reflective hopeful intense

Type

poetic inspirational

When to use this quote

- personal crisis
- relationship challenges
- creative projects
- grief healing
- spiritual quests

Key Concepts

metaphor spirituality psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you channel doubt into creative energy?
- What role does love play in your resilience?

A Different Perspective

Love alone may not resolve all doubts; external support is also needed.

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[Flowers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flowers/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Pity love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pity-love/)

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