Just as an individual of pre-eminent worth transforms democracy into a monarchy of the best man, even so the rule of one man, if in all things it has an eye to the common welfare, is democracy.
I delight to lodge in such temples as are not regularly kept closed. None of the gods reject me; they make me partner of their roof.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests an appreciation for places that welcome all, where divinity and humanity coexist freely.
In this quote, Apollonius of Tyana expresses a deep appreciation for spaces that are open and inviting, representing a sanctuary for all. The 'temples' symbolize places that embody spiritual and divine qualities, but importantly, they are not restricted to select individuals; rather, they embrace all, allowing for a shared communion with the divine. This idea reflects a broader philosophical belief in inclusivity and the interconnectedness of humanity with the divine.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on unity, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of open, welcoming spaces for all.
More from Apollonius Of Tyana
All quotes βA man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
Never may a man prone to believe scandal be a despot or a popular leader! Under his guidance, democracy itself will be despotism.
If any man has left us for fear of Nero, I shall not account him a coward; but I shall hail as a philosopher any man who has been superior to this fear, and I shall teach him all I know.
If you have problems of conduct that are difficult and hard to settle, I will furnish you with solutions, for I not only know matters of practice and duty, but I even know them beforehand.
O ye gods, grant unto me to have little and to want nothing.
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That we are surrounded by deep mysteries is known to all but the incurably ignorant.
The true nature of anything is what it becomes at its highest.
I won't say that I'm an agnostic, since agnosticism maintains that one cannot know... but I'm not averse to the idea of some intelligence or some organizing force that set up the initial conditions of the universe in such a way that ultimately generated stars, planets and life.
Faith in the resurrection of Jesus says that there is a future for every human being; the cry for unending life which is a part of the person is indeed answered... God exists: that is the real message of Easter. Anyone who even begins to grasp what this means also knows what it means to be redeemed.
Most people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so.