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Able Quote by Neil Gaiman

“It occurs to me that the peculiarity of most things we think of as fragile is how tough they truly are. There were tricks we did with eggs, as children, to show how they were, in reality, tiny load-bearing marble halls; while the beat of the wings of a butterfly in the right place, we are told…” quote by Neil Gaiman
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“It occurs to me that the peculiarity of most things we think of as fragile is how tough they truly are. There were tricks we did with eggs, as children, to show how they were, in reality, tiny load-bearing marble halls; while the beat of the wings of a butterfly in the right place, we are told, can create a hurricane across an ocean. Hearts may break, but hearts are the toughest of muscles, able to pump for a lifetime, seventy times a minute, and scarcely falter along the way. Even dreams, the most delicate and intangible of things, can prove remarkable difficult to kill.”

Neil Gaiman

About This Quote

Things labeled fragile—like eggs, butterflies, hearts, dreams—are structurally resilient and can endure or cause great impact despite appearances.

In simple terms: Fragility masks strength.

Key Takeaway

Resilience often hidden.

Themes

fragility strength paradox nature human emotion

Mood

reflective inspiring

Type

metaphorical observational

When to use this quote

  • teaching resilience
  • inspiring perseverance

Key Concepts

metaphor biology

Practical Applications

  • motivational speaking
  • educational content

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we equate delicacy with weakness?
  • How can recognizing hidden strength alter our actions?
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