More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Thomas TraherneRead
And every stone and every star a tongue, And every gale of wind a curious song. The Heavens were an oracle, and spoke Divinity: the Earth did undertake The office of a priest; and I being dumb (Nothing besides was dumb) all things did come With voices and instructions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the idea that the universe communicates profound wisdom and beauty through nature and existence.
In this quote, Thomas Traherne reflects on the interconnectedness of all things, suggesting that nature itself has a voice that conveys deeper truths and insights about life and divinity. He portrays the earth and heavens as sentient entities, communicating lessons through their existence, imbuing life with meaning and guidance, despite his own perceived silence. This philosophical perspective invites a deeper appreciation for the world around us and the messages it holds.
Themes
NatureWisdomCommunicationDivinityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of environmental conservation, one might quote this to emphasize nature's wisdom.
More from Thomas Traherne
All quotes →We do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
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Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
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To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
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You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
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Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
Thomas TraherneRead
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