"Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was."

Nature

Create & Download Quote Image

Select Template

Insight & Reflection

This reflection on nature by Dag Hammarskjold resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in nature is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Dag Hammarskjold

Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld was a Swedish economist and diplomat who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from April 1953 until his death in a plane crash in September 1961. As of 2026, he remains the youngest person to have held the post, having been only 47 years old when he was elected. He was a son of Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, who served as Prime Minister of Sweden from 1914 to 1917.

More quotes by Dag Hammarskjold  ’
Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Dag Hammarskjold

More about Nature

"Every summit scaled was once thought insurmountable from the valley below. Such is the immutable nature of understanding — an essential principle for the reflective life."

Read more  ’

"The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises."

Read more  ’

"The ocean of adversity cannot drown the spirit that resolves to stay afloat — an essential principle for the reflective life."

Read more  ’
View all Nature quotes  ’