A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.
Ariel DurantRead
Without an observer at a twenty three degree angle to the light being reflected off a cloud of spherical droplets, there is no rainbow. The whole universe is like that. Our spirits stand at a twenty three degree angle to the universe. There is some new thing created at the contact of photon and retina, some space created between rock and mind.
Interpretation
Perception shapes our experience of reality, just as an observer's angle determines the visibility of a rainbow.
This quote explores the idea that our perception and perspective greatly influence our understanding of reality. Just like a rainbow depends on the specific conditions of light and observation, our experiences and interpretations of the universe are shaped by our individual viewpoints. The interaction between our senses and the world creates unique experiences that are profoundly personal yet universal in their complexity.
In practice
In a discussion about the nature of reality, this quote can highlight the role of perspective.
A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.
What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent.
Perhaps what I am about to say will appear strange to you gentlemen, socialists, progressives, humanitarians as you are, but I never worry about my neighbor, I never try to protect society which does not protect me -- indeed, I might add, which generally takes no heed of me except to do me harm -- and, since I hold them low in my esteem and remain neutral towards them, I believe that society and my neighbor are in my debt.
The operation of the Church is entirely set up for the sinner; which creates much misunderstanding among the smug.β (August 9, 1955)
You go on being reincarnated until you reach the actual Truth. Heaven and Hell are just a state of mind. We are all here to become Christ-like. The actual world is an illusion.
There is no captive in a worse state than the one who is captivated by his worst enemy (Shaytan) and there is no prison which is tighter than the prison of hawa (desire) and there is no bond/fetter more strong than the bond of desire. How, then, will a heart which is captivated, imprisoned and fettered travel unto Allah and the Home of the Hereafter?
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