No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Thomas BrowneRead
The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that becoming accustomed to life makes us unprepared for death.
Thomas Browne's quote reflects on the nature of human existence and the psychological impact of living for an extended period. As individuals grow accustomed to their daily lives and routines, the inevitability of death may become a less immediate concern, leading to a sense of unpreparedness when faced with its reality. It challenges us to reflect on our mortality and the ways we navigate life in the face of this certainty.
Themes
DeathLifeHabitPreparednessReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of living life fully, one could use this quote to emphasize our tendency to avoid thinking about death.
More from Thomas Browne
All quotes βContent may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
Thomas BrowneRead
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.
Thomas BrowneRead
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
Thomas BrowneRead
Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
Thomas BrowneRead
Life is a pure flame and we live by an invisible sun within us.
Thomas BrowneRead
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