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We have seen when the earth had to be prepared for the habitation of man, a veil, as it were, of intermediate being was spread between him and its darkness, in which were joined in a subdued measure, the stability and insensibility of the earth, and the passion and perishing of mankind.
John Ruskin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that humanity exists in a state of balance between the stability of the earth and the ephemeral nature of human existence.

John Ruskin's quote reflects on the relationship between humanity and the earth, indicating that before humans could inhabit the planet, a certain 'veil' was created to mediate the harsh realities of existence. This veil symbolizes a blending of the earth's unyielding nature with the fleeting emotions and mortality of mankind, suggesting a complex interplay between stability and transience.

Themes

EarthHumanityBalanceStabilityMortality

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about environmental ethics at a conference.

More from John Ruskin

Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
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In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
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You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
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To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
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See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
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A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
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