What is the essence of theosophy? It is the fact that man, being himself divine, can know the divinity whose life he shares. As an inevitable corollary to this supreme truth comes the fact of the brotherhood of man.
Annie BesantRead
A myth is far truer than a history, for a history only gives a story of the shadows, whereas a myth gives a story of the substances that cast the shadows.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Myths reveal deeper truths about human experience than mere historical facts.
Annie Besant suggests that myths encompass profound truths about life and existence, offering insights that history alone cannot provide. While history narrates factual events often devoid of deeper significance, myths embody the fundamental concepts and values that shape human understanding, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in revealing the essence of our experiences.
Themes
MythHistoryTruthUnderstandingPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion about the significance of storytelling, this quote could illustrate the importance of myths.
More from Annie Besant
All quotes →No durable things are built on violent passion. Nature grows her plants in silence and in darkness, and only when they have become strong do they put their heads above the ground.
Annie BesantRead
Death consists, indeed, in a repeated process of unrobing, or unsheathing. The immortal part of man shakes off from itself, one after the other, its outer casings, and - as the snake from its skin, the butterfly from its chrysalis - emerges from one after another, passing into a higher state of consciousness.
Annie BesantRead
Let Indian history be set side by side with Europe history with what there is of the latter century by century and let us see whether India need blush at the comparison.
Annie BesantRead
My own life in India, since I came to it in 1893 to make it my home, has been devoted to one purpose, to give back to India her ancient freedom.
Annie BesantRead
Knowledge is essential to conquest; only according to our ignorance are we helpless. Thought creates character. Character can dominate conditions. Will creates circumstances and environment.
Annie BesantRead
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