Like what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.

Van Dyke’s line is a counsel against perfectionism and self-disparagement. It urges people to value and use whatever abilities they have rather than withholding effort until they feel “good enough.” The metaphor of a forest made silent by only the “best” birds singing reframes talent as something that gains meaning through participation: a community (or culture) is enriched by many voices, not just the most accomplished. Implicitly, the quote also critiques competitive hierarchies that discourage ordinary contributors. Its significance lies in affirming vocation and everyday creativity—work, art, service, or speech—where the cumulative effect of many modest gifts can be more life-giving than a narrow standard of excellence.