Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"Los hombres cambian y el cambio llega como un pequeño viento que agita las cortinas al amanecer y llega como el perfume sigiloso de las flores silvestres ocultas en la hierba."

John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck Author
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Change in people is inevitable and often comes upon us quietly, like a gentle breeze or the faint scent of flowers. It’s not always dramatic or immediate. Sometimes, it’s so subtle that we barely notice it until we look back and see how different things are.

Think about this: how many times have you heard someone say, "I never noticed how much you've changed"? It’s because change doesn’t usually announce itself with fanfare. It slips in quietly. One day you’re going about your routine, and the next, you realize you no longer feel the same about certain things. Maybe you’ve grown braver, more patient, or have developed new interests. These changes often happen in the background, much like that soft morning wind that nudges the curtains.

The context of this idea is timeless. People have always been evolving, adapting, shifting their perspectives and behaviors. It’s a part of being human. We’re influenced by our experiences, the people we meet, the books we read, the challenges we face. Just think back to a year ago. Are you the same person you were then? Probably not entirely.

Let's put this in a real-life context. Consider someone who starts a new job. On their first day, they’re nervous, unsure, maybe a bit overwhelmed. But day by day, they learn the ropes. They make mistakes, they learn from them, they get feedback, they improve. Six months down the line, they’re confident, they’re contributing ideas, they’re a different person compared to when they started. This change didn’t happen overnight. It was gradual, like that little wind or the hidden wildflowers.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? First, be patient with yourself and others. Change takes time and sometimes it’s so subtle you won’t notice it happening. Give yourself grace when you feel like you’re not making progress fast enough. Trust that with consistent effort, you are evolving. Second, be observant of the small changes. Celebrate them. Did you handle a stressful situation better today than you did a month ago? That’s growth. Finally, understand that others are changing too. Be open to seeing people in a new light, even those you think you know well.

Imagine a friend who used to be impulsive and hot-headed in their younger days. Over the years, you notice they’ve become more thoughtful and composed. This didn’t happen out of the blue. Maybe they’ve faced situations that taught them the value of patience. Maybe they’ve learned from their mistakes. Maybe they’ve grown. This is the stealthy perfume of wildflowers – a transformation that’s been happening quietly, almost imperceptibly.

Next time you feel frustrated with yourself or someone else for not changing quickly enough, remember this. Think of the gentle wind at dawn, the soft scent of hidden flowers. Change is happening, even if you can’t see it right away. Embrace it, nurture it, and trust the process.
Related tags
Change Dawn Growth Metaphor Nature Progress Subtlety Transformation Wind
MORE QUOTES BY John Steinbeck
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon