In traditional societies, nature was seen as one’s wife, but the modern West turned it into a prostitute.
Seyyed Hossein NasrRead
The traditional doctrine of man and not the measurement of skulls and footprints is the key for the understanding of that anthropos who, despite the rebellion of Promethean man against Heaven from the period of Renaissance and its aftermath, is still the inner man of every man, the reality which no human being can deny wherever and whenever he lives, the imprint of a theomorphic nature which no historical change and transformation can erase completely from the face of that creature called man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature beyond physical measurements or historical changes.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr argues that to comprehend humanity, one must look beyond superficial traits and historical context. Despite the rebellion of man against divine influence, there exists an inherent 'inner man' that reflects a divine essence, a fundamental aspect of human nature that persists through time and societal transformations.
Themes
Human NaturePhilosophyInner ManDivine EssenceTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar about human nature and philosophy, this quote could illustrate the depths of our existence beyond physical attributes.
More from Seyyed Hossein Nasr
All quotes →In the traditional Islamic world, the hierarchy of the arts was not based on whether they were "fine" or "industrial" or "minor". It was based upon the effect of art on the soul of the human being.
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The human soul, provided it is pure and strong enough, can contact the unseen in waking life as well as in dreams: all that is required is withdrawal of the soul from the tumult of sensory life.
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