QuoteProject
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
ShareWTF𝕏

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?
Camille FlammarionRead

Similar quotes

Extremes in nature equal ends produce; In man they join to some mysterious use.
Alexander PopeRead
When you get your,'Who am I?', question right, all of your,'What should I do?' questions tend to take care of themselves
Richard RohrRead
Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there.
Eric HofferRead
Philosophy makes progress not by becoming more rigorous but by becoming more imaginative.
Richard RortyRead
The anarch wages his own wars, even when marching in rank and file
Ernst JungerRead
The media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.
Corazon AquinoRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.