I saw within Its depth how It conceives_x000D_ _x000D_ All things in a single volume bound by Love_x000D_ _x000D_ of which the universe is the scattered leaves.
Dante AlighieriRead
To course across more kindly waters now my talent's little vessel lifts her sails, leaving behind herself a sea so cruel; and what I sing will be that second kingdom, in which the human soul is cleansed of sin, becoming worthy of ascent to Heaven.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a journey of the soul from suffering to spiritual enlightenment.
In this quote, Dante Alighieri metaphorically describes the journey of the human soul navigating away from a tumultuous past towards a state of purity and readiness for ascension to Heaven. The 'kindly waters' symbolize peace and understanding, while the 'sea so cruel' represents past suffering and trials. The act of singing signifies a transformation and the hope of achieving a higher moral and spiritual state.
In practice
In a speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to illustrate overcoming hardships.
I saw within Its depth how It conceives_x000D_ _x000D_ All things in a single volume bound by Love_x000D_ _x000D_ of which the universe is the scattered leaves.
Before me things created were none, save things Eternal, and eternal I endure. All hope abandon, ye who enter here.
The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.
Heaven wheels above you, displaying to you her eternal glories, and still your eyes are on the ground.
Pride, envy, avarice - these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.
Thus you may understand that love alone is the true seed of every merit in you, and of all acts for which you must atone.
You can rest assured that if you devote your time and attention to the highest advantage of others, the Universe will support you, always and only in the nick of time.
People who think you could wave a magic wand and the legacy of the past will be over are blind.
A liberal to me is one who - and it suits some of the dictionary definitions - is unbeholden to any specific belief or party or group or person, but makes up his or her mind on the basis of the facts and the presentation of those facts at the time. That defines what I am.
Men create the gods after their own images.
One of the troubles of our times is that we are all, I think, precocious as personalities and backward as characters.
I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.
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