The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.
When a man undertakes to create something, he establishes a new heaven, as it were, and from it the work that he desires to create flows into him... For such is the immensity of man that he is greater than heaven and earth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the creative power of humans, suggesting that every creation reflects their vast potential.
This quote by Paracelsus reflects the profound idea that when individuals take on the task of creation, they tap into an intrinsic and expansive potential that exceeds the boundaries of the physical world. It implies that the act of creation not only shapes external reality but also transforms the creator, establishing a new realm of possibility that flows from the depths of human imagination and capability. The assertion that man is greater than heaven and earth speaks to the boundless creativity and spirit inherent in humanity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to inspire artists and creators during an art exhibition.
More from Paracelsus
All quotes →Know that the philosopher has power over the stars, and not the stars over him.
The human body is vapor materialized by sunshine mixed with the life of the stars.
All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.
It should be forbidden and severely punished to remove cancer by cutting, burning, cautery, and other fiendish tortures. It is from nature that the disease comes, and from nature comes the cure, not from physicians.
Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often.
Similar quotes
I've tried to believe, but I don't, I can't, and there's no use pretending.
We are the eyes of the cosmos. So that in a way, when you look deeply into somebody's eyes, you're looking deep into yourself, and the other person is looking deeply into the same self.
That's one of those meaningless and unanswerable questions the mind keeps returning to endlessly, like the tongue exploring a broken tooth.
I am in no way different from anyone else, that my predicament, my sense of aloneness or isolation may be precisely what unites me with everyone.
I hold the most archaic values on earth ... the fertility of the soul, the magic of the animals, the power-vision in solitude.... the love and ecstasy of the dance, the common work of the tribe.
It ill becomes us to invoke in our daily prayers the blessings of God, the Compassionate, if we in turn will not practice elementary compassion toward our fellow creatures.