Who said “I think that the leaf of a tree, the meanest insect we trample are in themselves…”?

Verified

Percy Bysshe Shelley. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLetter to Thomas Jefferson Hogg (3 January 1811)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“I think that the leaf of a tree, the meanest insect we trample are in themselves arguments more conclusive than any which can be adduced that some vast intellect animates Infinity.”
VerifiedLetter to Thomas Jefferson Hogg (3 January 1811) · evidenceReligion

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Letter to Thomas Jefferson Hogg (3 January 1811).

APA

Shelley, P. B. (n.d.). I think that the leaf of a tree, the meanest insect we trample are in themselves arguments more conclusive than any which can be adduced that some vast intellect animates Infinity. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35664-i-think-that-the-leaf-of-a-tree/

MLA

Shelley, Percy Bysshe. “I think that the leaf of a tree, the meanest insect we trample are in themselves arguments more conclusive than any which can be adduced that some vast intellect animates Infinity.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35664-i-think-that-the-leaf-of-a-tree/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Shelley, Percy Bysshe. “I think that the leaf of a tree, the meanest insect we trample are in themselves arguments more conclusive than any which can be adduced that some vast intellect animates Infinity.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35664-i-think-that-the-leaf-of-a-tree/.