Into this wild Abyss/ The womb of Nature, and perhaps her grave--/ Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,/ But all these in their pregnant causes mixed/ Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight,/ Unless the Almighty Maker them ordain/ His dark materials to create more worlds,--/ Into this wild Abyss the wary Fiend/ Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while,/ Pondering his voyage; for no narrow frith/ He had to cross.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the complex and chaotic nature of existence and creation, suggesting a profound contemplation of the universe's origins and the divine.
In this passage by John Milton, the author delves into the chaotic essence of the universe, symbolized by the 'wild Abyss', which represents a state of potentiality filled with conflicting elements. The 'womb of Nature' evokes the idea of creation, while also hinting at destruction, suggesting that from this chaos, the Almighty has the power to create new worlds. The imagery of the 'wary Fiend' looking into this abyss reflects a deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, as the character contemplates the risks and possibilities involved in creation and existence.
In practice
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of existence, this quote can illustrate the complex interplay of creation and chaos.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.
How incessant and great are the ills with which a prolonged old age is replete.
The anguish of the neurotic individual is the same as that of the saint. The neurotic, the saint are engaged in the same battle. Their blood flows from similar wounds. But the first one gasps and the other one gives.
Tokenism does not change stereotypes of social systems but works to preserve them, since it dulls the revolutionary impulse.
Build, therefore, your own world. As fast as you conform your life to the pure idea in your mind, that will unfold it's great proportions.
Events, circumstances, etc., have their origin in ourselves. They spring from seeds which we have sown.
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