QuoteProject
There is a moment in the history of every nation, when . . . the perceptive powers reach their ripeness and have not yet become microscopic: so that man, at that instant . . . with his feet still planted on the immense forces of night, converses by his eyes and brain with solar and stellar creation.
Marsilio Ficino
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects a pivotal moment of realization for humanity, when awareness and understanding reach their peak.

Ficino's quote suggests that there are crucial moments in the development of a nation when its people gain a profound awareness of the universe and their place within it. This enlightenment occurs before they become overly narrow or focused, allowing for a broader connection to the cosmos, symbolized by 'solar and stellar creation'. Such moments signify a unique blending of human consciousness with the vastness of existence, where intellectual and spiritual pursuits become intertwined.

Themes

MomentAwarenessNationHumanityCosmos

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about national identity, you might reference this quote to highlight moments of collective enlightenment.

More from Marsilio Ficino

The fate of the poor shepherd, who, blinded and lost in the snow-storm, perishes in a drift within a few feet of his cottage door, is an emblem of the state of man.
Marsilio FicinoRead

Similar quotes

I would much rather have men ask why I have no statue than why I have one.
Marcus Porcius CatoRead
A display of indifference to all the actions and passions of mankind was not supposed to be such a distinguished quality at that time, I think, as I have observed it to be considered since. I have known it very fashionable indeed. I have seen it displayed with such success, that I have encountered some fine ladies and gentlemen who might as well have been born caterpillars.
Charles DickensRead
A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.
Ariel DurantRead
Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.
Edgar Allan PoeRead
What people are really after is, what is my stance on religion or spirituality or God? And I would say, if I find a word that came closest, it would be agnostic.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
It's funny, our beauty standard has become harder and tougher because we live in a tough age. I don't think anyone wants to walk down the street and feel vulnerable. You want to walk down the street and feel like you're in control.
Tom FordRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.