“A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.”
- c. 1265 – September 14, 1321
- Italian
- Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Author of The Divine Comedy
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Quote
“A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.”
Explanation
This quote comes from Dante Alighieri’s Paradiso, Canto I, in The Divine Comedy. In the original Italian: “Grave parvis nascuntur flammae” or more closely related, “Gran fiamma seconda scintilla picciola.” It reflects Dante’s poetic meditation on how great things—especially spiritual insight or divine love—can arise from the smallest beginnings. The imagery of a small spark growing into a mighty flame captures the transformative potential of inspiration, faith, or human effort.
Dante likely intended this as a spiritual metaphor. The “tiny spark” could symbolize an initial movement of the soul—a flicker of faith, love, or understanding—which, when nurtured, expands into a powerful force capable of leading one closer to divine truth. This is consistent with Dante’s overarching message in Paradiso: that the soul’s journey toward God begins in humility and grows through grace, intellect, and love. It also reflects the cosmic order, where even the smallest cause may produce vast, radiant effects.
In modern terms, this quote is often used to inspire perseverance and vision. It reminds us that great achievements, revolutions, or transformations often begin with a simple idea, a quiet decision, or a small act of courage. Whether starting a movement, nurturing a relationship, or pursuing a dream, the principle remains: do not underestimate the power of humble beginnings, for they may ignite something extraordinary.
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