The whole life lies in the verb seeing.
Pierre Teilhard De ChardinRead
A sense of the universe, a sense of the all, the nostalgia which seizes us when confronted by nature, beauty, music - these seem to be an expectation and awareness of a Great Presence.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the deep connection between beauty in nature, music, and a spiritual presence that one perceives in the universe.
Pierre Teilhard De Chardin emphasizes the profound feelings and nostalgia we experience when we encounter the beauty of nature, art, and music. These moments evoke a sense of a greater existence or divine presence that connects us to the universe and instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for life itself.
In practice
In a speech about environmental conservation, this quote can highlight the intrinsic beauty of nature.
The whole life lies in the verb seeing.
Religion and science are the two conjugated faces or phases of one and the same complete act of knowledge - the only one which can embrace the past and future of evolution and so contemplate, measure and fulfil them.
The mineral world is a much more supple and mobile world than could be imagined by the science of the ancients. Vaguely analogous to the metamorphoses of living creatures, there occurs in the most solid rocks, as we now know, perpetual transformation of a mineral species.
We may, perhaps, imagine that the creation was finished long ago. But that would be quite wrong. It continues still more magnificently, and at the highest levels of the world.
Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them, for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves. All we need is to imagine our ability to love developing until it embraces the totality of men and the earth.
If there is one thing I fear less than everything else, it is, I believe, persecution for my opinions. There are a good many points about which I may be diffident, but when it comes to questions of Truth and intellectual independence, there is no holding me - I can envisage no finer end than to sacrifice oneself for a conviction.
Just as he who gives his life to serve a great idea is admirable, he who avails himself of a great idea to serve his personal hopes of glory and power is abominable, even if he too risks his life.
Were I asked to focus the New Testament message in three words, my proposal would be ADOPTION THROUGH PROPITIATION, and I do not expect ever to meet a richer or more pregnant summary of the gospel than that.
It may seem bizarre, but in my opinion science offers a surer path to God than religion.
Things looked at patiently from one side after another generally end by showing a side that is beautiful.
The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one's life.
Today, we need a Church capable of walking at people's side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.
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