The quote “Not only ought fortune to be pictured on a wheel, but every thing else in this world” by George Herbert is a profound observation of the cyclical nature of life and all its aspects. The image of fortune on a wheel is an ancient concept, often referred to as the Wheel of Fortune, which symbolizes the unpredictable nature of luck or fate – one moment you’re at the top, and the next you could be at the bottom.
Herbert extends this metaphor to everything in our world. This suggests that not just fortune, but all aspects of life – success, happiness, power – are subject to change and can rotate like a wheel. Nothing is constant or guaranteed; circumstances can always shift unexpectedly.
Applying this concept today might mean recognizing that both successes and failures are temporary states. In personal development terms, it’s about understanding that growth isn’t linear; there will be ups and downs along any journey. For instance, if someone experiences failure or setback in their career or personal life – they should remember Herbert’s metaphorical wheel: circumstances will change again.
Similarly if someone finds themselves ‘at the top’ experiencing great success or happiness—while it’s important to enjoy these moments—they should also stay grounded knowing these circumstances too may change.
This perspective encourages resilience during challenging times while promoting humility during prosperous ones. It also fosters a sense of preparedness for whatever comes next—because as with any wheel in motion—what comes next is always around the bend.
