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The universe is so immense that it appears immutable, and that the duration of a planet such as that of the earth is only a chapter, less than that, a phrase, less still, only a word of the universe’s history.
Camille Flammarion
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the vastness of the universe and the fleeting nature of human existence in comparison.

Camille Flammarion's quote emphasizes the immense scale of the universe, portraying our planet's existence as a mere fraction of cosmic history. It invites contemplation about our place within the grand tapestry of time and space, suggesting that human life is transient when viewed against the backdrop of the universe's unimaginable duration.

Themes

UniverseImmensityHistoryTransienceExistenceTime

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about the universe's vastness and our fleeting existence, this quote could highlight our place in time.

More from Camille Flammarion

What, then, is this blue sky, which certainly does exist, and which veils from us the stars during the day?
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