It is very difficult to explain this feeling to anyone who is entirely without it, especially as there is no anthropomorphic conception of God corresponding to it. The individual feels the nothingness of human desires and aims and the sublimity and marvelous order which reveal themselves both in Nature and in the world of though. He looks upon individual existence as a sort of prison and wants to experience the universe as a single significant whole.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the challenge of communicating profound feelings to those who lack similar experiences, highlighting a yearning for unity with the universe.
In this quote, Albert Einstein reflects on the profound sense of connection to the universe that some individuals experience, which is often incomprehensible to others who have not felt it. He describes how this feeling makes worldly desires seem insignificant and creates a desire to transcend individual existence in favor of a universal understanding and a sense of order and sublimity found in both nature and thought. This longing encapsulates a philosophical quest for meaning beyond the confines of personal ambitions.
In practice
During a philosophical discussion about life and existence, one might use this quote to emphasize the inadequacy of words in conveying deep emotions.
I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.
Before I die many will die with me and they'll deserve it. See you in Hell.
I don't think any of us really knows why we're here. But I think we're supposed to believe we're here for a purpose.
Pope had been flattered till he thought himself one of the moving powers of the system of life. When he talked of laying down his pen, those who sat round him intreated and implored; and self-love did not suffer him to suspect that they went away and laughed.
The test of Ahimsa is absence of jealousy.
The Way is hidden and nameless. Still only the Way nourishes and completes.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.