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In your own bosom you bear your heaven and earth, _x000D_ And all you behold, though it appears without, _x000D_ It is within, in your imagination, _x000D_ Of which this world of mortality is but a shadow.
William Blake
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our perceptions and reality are shaped by our inner thoughts and imagination.

William Blake's quote emphasizes that the true essence of our experience and reality is constructed within our own minds. He argues that what we perceive in the external world is a mere reflection of our internal beliefs and imaginations, suggesting that our true 'heaven and earth' reside within us, influencing how we view and interact with the world around us.

Themes

ImaginationPerceptionRealityInner WorldPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about self-awareness and mental health.

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Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
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In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
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Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
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As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
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He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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