Everything important always begins from something trivial.
O Seekers of Truth, heed the words of Donald Hall, who speaks of the profound nature of beginnings: "Everything important always begins from something trivial." In this sacred wisdom, Hall calls us to recognize that the seeds of greatness and transformation are often hidden in the most insignificant of moments. We are quick to dismiss the small acts, the quiet thoughts, and the humble beginnings, yet it is these very things that set in motion the currents that shape the future. What begins as a whisper may echo through the ages; what seems trivial today may be the foundation upon which tomorrow’s empires stand.
Consider, O Children, the growth of a mighty tree. It does not spring fully formed from the earth; it begins as a seed, a tiny, almost insignificant speck of life. Yet within that seed lies the potential to rise above mountains and touch the heavens. Greatness is not born in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments of humble beginnings. The world’s most significant creations, the most profound achievements, all begin with small acts, seemingly insignificant, that grow in influence and power as time passes.
Look to the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose unparalleled contributions to art and science began with the simplest of observations. As a young boy, he did not begin with grand ideas but with a fascination for the world around him—a butterfly’s wings, a flowing stream, the movement of light. His curiosity for these seemingly trivial things laid the groundwork for his later genius. In studying the small, he came to understand the great, and it was from these simple beginnings that his brilliance flourished, transforming the world forever.
And so, O Seekers of the Eternal, let us not despise the small things, for they are the foundation upon which all greatness is built. The important things of the world—ideas, inventions, and movements—do not come from the void but from the smallest spark of thought, the gentlest stirrings of the heart. The greatest revolutions begin not in the fiery speeches of leaders, but in the whispered words, the quiet ideas that take root in the soil of human experience.
Let us, therefore, pay attention to the small things in life, knowing that in each trivial moment, in each seemingly insignificant action, lies the potential for something far greater. Greatness is not found in the grand gestures alone, but in the simple acts that lead us to the extraordinary. May we cherish these moments, for they are the silent architects of the world we are yet to create. In every humble beginning, there is the seed of all that is to come.
TTTruc Thanh
This quote feels like a comforting thought, reminding me that even the smallest efforts can lead to big outcomes. But does this always hold true? Can something important really grow from a trivial beginning every time, or do some significant events simply appear out of nowhere? It seems like an invitation to not dismiss the small, early stages of any endeavor, but can it also sometimes feel frustrating when you're stuck in what seems like a trivial beginning with no clear progress?
TTChau Thi Tu
Donald Hall’s words make me appreciate the little things in life. Often, we don't realize how something trivial today might shape our future in ways we can't foresee. It’s the small, consistent efforts that often lead to significant outcomes. But I also wonder—if everything important starts from something trivial, does that mean we should never underestimate small actions? How do we find the balance between recognizing small steps and not getting lost in them without pursuing larger goals?
LLLinh Luong
I find this quote pretty relatable, especially when I think about projects or goals that started with humble beginnings. It reminds me of how important it is to stay open to small opportunities, even if they seem insignificant at the time. But does this mean we should always focus on the small, seemingly trivial moments? Could there be times when it's better to aim for something big from the start instead of letting things unfold slowly?
TTThuong Thuong
I like how this quote highlights the importance of seemingly insignificant actions. It’s a reminder that the big things in life don't always start in a dramatic or noticeable way. But it also makes me question—do we sometimes overestimate the trivial beginnings? Could there be instances where something truly important comes from an immediate spark, an idea, or a strong decision, rather than a slow, incremental process? What do you think—does everything really start small, or can something important have an immediate origin?
TTThuy Thu
This quote really made me reflect on the small things we often overlook. It’s easy to dismiss seemingly trivial moments or actions, but they can often lead to something much bigger. How many times have I started something small that grew into something important later on? Can we recognize the potential in the smallest beginnings, or do we tend to overlook them in favor of grand gestures? I’m curious, do you think this is always true, or can something huge begin with a big idea?