No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Thomas BrowneRead
I could be content that we might procreate like trees, without conjunction, or that we were any way to perpetuate the world without this trivial and vulgar way of coition; it is the foolishest act a wise man commits in all his life.
Interpretation
The quote expresses disdain for the act of sexual intercourse, suggesting that there are more profound and meaningful ways to create life.
Thomas Browne reflects on the nature of procreation, contemplating whether it would be preferable to reproduce without the act of sexual intercourse, which he deems trivial and foolish. He suggests that a wise individual might see the act of coition as the least dignified or significant act in the journey of life, hinting at a desire for a more majestic and philosophical approach to existence and creation.
In practice
This quote could be used in a philosophical discussion about the nature of relationships and reproduction.
No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Content may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
Thus there are two books from whence I collect my Divinity; besides that written one of God, another of his servant Nature, that universal and public Manuscript, that lies expans'd unto the eyes of all; those that never saw him in the one, have discovered him in the other.
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying.
When Southern people tell us they are no more responsible for the origin of slavery than we are, I acknowledge the fact. When it is said that the institution exists, and that it is very difficult to get rid of it in any satisfactory way, I can understand and appreciate the saying.
What it felt to me was like the dissolution of my idea of myself. I felt like separateness evaporated. I felt this tremendous sense of oneness. I'm quite an erratic thinker, quite an adrenalized person, but through meditation, I found this beautiful serenity and selfless connection. My tendency towards selfishness, I felt that kind of exposed as a superficial and pointless perspective to have. I felt very relaxed, a sense of oneness. I felt love.
Personally, I have always felt that the best doctor in the world is the Veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter...he's just got to know.
All failures - neurotics, psychotics, criminals, drunkards, problem children, suicides, perverts, and prostitutes - are failures because they are lacking in social interest
Ah, woe is me! Winter is come and gone. But grief returns with the revolving year.
Fame is but an inscription on a grave, and glory the melancholy blazon on a coffin lid.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.