Meaning: The quote "All that tread, the globe are but a handful to the tribes, that slumber in its bosom" is from the poem "Thanatopsis" by William Cullen Bryant. The poem was first published in 1817 and is one of Bryant's most famous works. The quote reflects on the insignificance of human life in the grand scheme of the earth's existence.

In the poem, Bryant explores the theme of death and the natural world. He contemplates the relationship between humanity and nature, and the idea that death is a natural and inevitable part of life. The quote in question emphasizes the idea that the number of people currently living on the earth is minuscule compared to the countless generations that have come before, as well as the potential for future generations. The "tribes" that slumber in the earth's bosom refers to the countless individuals who have lived and died throughout history, whose remains are now a part of the earth itself.

Bryant's contemplation of the vastness of time and the brevity of human life serves as a reminder of the impermanence of existence. The quote encourages readers to consider the interconnectedness of all life and the humbling reality that the earth has existed long before us and will continue to exist long after we are gone. It invites us to ponder the transitory nature of our individual lives in the context of the enduring presence of the natural world.

The imagery in the quote evokes a sense of reverence for the earth and the cycles of life and death that have occurred throughout its history. It prompts readers to reflect on their place in the world and to appreciate the beauty and significance of the natural environment. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence and the enduring legacy of those who have gone before us.

Bryant's "Thanatopsis" is a classic example of American Romantic poetry, which often focused on themes of nature, mortality, and the sublime. The poem's contemplative and introspective tone invites readers to consider their own mortality and the interconnectedness of all life. Bryant's eloquent language and evocative imagery contribute to the enduring appeal of his work, and the quote in question continues to resonate with audiences as a powerful meditation on the human experience.

In conclusion, the quote "All that tread, the globe are but a handful to the tribes, that slumber in its bosom" encapsulates the profound reflections on life and death found in William Cullen Bryant's "Thanatopsis." Through this quote, Bryant invites readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of human existence within the vast expanse of time and the enduring presence of the natural world. His words continue to inspire awe and contemplation, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life and the enduring legacy of those who have come before us.