Literary notes about STONE (AI summary)
In literature, "stone" is a multifaceted symbol that appears in both literal and metaphorical roles. It represents the transformative quest for perfection, as seen in the elusive philosopher's stone that embodies alchemical pursuit and wisdom [1, 2]. It also marks physical presence and permanence, whether in the form of monumental architectural elements like ancient staircases and bridges that evoke history and steadfastness [3, 4, 5] or as a tangible record of human endeavor such as inscribed tombstones or boundary markers [6, 7]. Additionally, stone carries a weight of symbolic judgment and fate; it is sometimes an instrument of retribution, as in acts of stoning or metaphors for unyielding resolve [8, 9, 10], while in other contexts it underscores emotional hardness or immovability in character [11, 12]. Thus, across diverse literary contexts, stone becomes a powerful emblem of endurance, judgment, and the interplay between materiality and spirit.
- If you know how to spend less than you get you have the philosopher's stone.—
— from Many Thoughts of Many MindsA Treasury of Quotations from the Literature of Every Land and Every Age - He then tried painting with as little success; and as a last resource, began to search for the philosopher’s stone and tell fortunes.
— from Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay - I turned onto 23d Street and carefully took the narrow stone steps cut into the side of the hill.
— from Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - We mount the winding staircase of stone, and march through the long passages under the heavy roof-beams.
— from Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen by H. C. Andersen - This idea imparted new energy, and in three days he had succeeded, with the utmost precaution, in removing the cement, and exposing the stone-work.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Think of the countless thousands of hands that had pressed that spot in the ages that are gone, to so reduce a stone that is as hard as iron!
— from The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain - The Unknown YE aspiring ones, listen to the story of the unknown Who lies here with no stone to mark the place.
— from Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters - And have you not read this scripture, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner: 12:11.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be bruised: and upon whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - The disciples say to him: Rabbi, the Jews but now sought to stone thee.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - E'en now my feet have turned to stone, My hands are gloved with lead!
— from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand - He continued thus for about a minute, sitting bolt upright, as stiff as a stone, and making this fearful face.
— from Erewhon; Or, Over the Range by Samuel Butler
