Certain Quote by William Butler Yeats
“Is it not certain that the Creator yawns in earthquake and thunder and other popular displays, but toils in rounding the delicate spiral of a shell? -Yeats, The Trembling of the Veil”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Trembling of the Veil by William Butler Yeats, 1915
The divine creates grand, dramatic events effortlessly, yet painstakingly shapes subtle natural details.
In simple terms: God makes big wonders easily, but works hard on tiny things.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate both awe‑inspiring and delicate aspects of creation.
Themes
nature
divinity
detail
effort
balance
Mood
wonder
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- observing storms
- studying shells
- appreciating art
- reflecting on creation
Key Concepts
cosmology
aesthetics
patience
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you value grand events versus subtle details?
- What small wonders deserve your attention?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize divine effort, overlooking natural processes.
![“...I was shocked and astonished when a daring little girl -- a cousin I think -- having waited under a group of trees in the avenue, where she knew [my grandfather] would pass near four o'clock on the way to his dinner, said to him, 'If I were you and you were a little girl, I would give you a doll.” quote by William Butler Yeats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ccc/william-butler-yeats-350_character_i-was-shocked-and-astonished-when-a-dari_779887.jpg)
