Nothing is finer for the purposes of great productions than a very gradual ripening of the intellectual powers.
In plain words
Great work ripens slowly, like fruit.
Where these words come from
- 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Letter to his brother George, 23 January 1818. Quoted in full, unedited.
- Letter to his brother George
- 1818
More from John Keats
See allA thing of beauty is a joy forever.
John KeatsI was never afraid of failure; for I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.John KeatsIf Poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree, it had better not come at all.John KeatsMany have original minds who do not think it — they are led away by custom.John KeatsBeauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.John KeatsAnd, as I feasted on its fragrancy,
I thought the garden-rose it far excell'd:
But when, O Wells! thy roses came to me
My sense with their deliciousness was spell'd:
Soft voices had they, that with tender plea
Whisper'd of peace, and truth, and friendliness unquell'd.John Keats
John KeatsI was never afraid of failure; for I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.John KeatsIf Poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree, it had better not come at all.John KeatsMany have original minds who do not think it — they are led away by custom.John KeatsBeauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.John KeatsAnd, as I feasted on its fragrancy,
I thought the garden-rose it far excell'd:
But when, O Wells! thy roses came to me
My sense with their deliciousness was spell'd:
Soft voices had they, that with tender plea
Whisper'd of peace, and truth, and friendliness unquell'd.John KeatsMore on perseverance
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.
AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.
OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.
Samuel Johnson
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.Samuel Johnson