QuoteProject
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.
Kim Stanley
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

PerceptionPerspectiveRealityExperienceLightUniverse

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the nature of reality, this quote can highlight the role of perspective.

Similar quotes

A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.
Ariel DurantRead
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.
Richard G. ScottRead
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.
Alexandre DumasRead
The operation of the Church is entirely set up for the sinner; which creates much misunderstanding among the smug.” (August 9, 1955)
Flannery O'ConnorRead
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.
George HarrisonRead
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?
Ibn Qayyim Al-JawziyyaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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

Quote by Kim Stanley | QuoteProject