All music is is what awakes from you when you are reminded by the instruments.
We consider bibles and religions divine I do not say they are not divine. I say they have all grown out of you, and may grow out of you still. It is not they who give the life, it is you who give the life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the essence of spirituality and life's meaning comes from within us, rather than solely from external religious texts.
Walt Whitman's quote suggests that while religious texts and bibles may hold divine significance, their true power and relevance stem from our individual interpretations and experiences. It highlights the idea that the essence of life and spirituality is not confined to written doctrines but is a living, evolving force that originates from within ourselves. Therefore, we have the potential to shape and redefine our beliefs and values independently.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be great to use in a speech about personal beliefs and spirituality.
More from Walt Whitman
All quotes →Did you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word.
A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
Now, dearest comrade, lift me to your face,_x000D_ _x000D_ We must separate awhileHere! take from my lips this kiss._x000D_ _x000D_ Whoever you are, I give it especially to you;_x000D_ _x000D_ So long!And I hope we shall meet again.
And whoever walks a furlong without sympathy walks to his own funeral drest in his shroud.
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Full circle. A new terror born in death, a new superstition entering the unassailable fortress of forever. I am legend.
As for life, it is a battle and a sojourning in a strange land; but the fame that comes after is oblivion.
he had been making an unsuccessful effort to write something about nothing in particular
Has God decreed all things that come to pass? Then there is nothing that falls out by chance, nor are we to ascribe what we meet with either to good or ill luck and fortune. There are many events in the world which men look upon as mere accidents, yet all these come by the counsel and appointment of Heaven.