Man is a dream about a shadow. But when some splendour falls upon him from God, a glory comes to him and his life is sweet.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that human existence is often a mere illusion or reflection, and true fulfillment comes from divine inspiration.
R. S. Thomas reflects on the nature of existence, positing that without a higher purpose or divine influence, human life resembles a mere shadow or fleeting dream. However, when one experiences a moment of divine glory or enlightenment, it transforms oneβs life, making it rich and profoundly sweet.
In practice
In a motivational speech highlighting the importance of purpose and higher calling.
The furies are at home in the mirror; it is their address. Even the clearest water, if deep enough can drown. Never think to surprise them. Your face approaching ever so friendly is the white flag they ignore. There is no truce with the furies. A mirror's temperature is always zero. It is ice in the veins. It's camera is an x-ray. It is a chalice held out to you in silent communion, where gaspingly you partake of a shifting identity never your own.
Imaginative truth is the most immediate way of presenting ultimate reality to a human being... ultimate reality is what we call God.
A recurring ideal, I find, is that of simplicity. At times there comes the desire to write with great precision and clarity, words so simple and moving that they bring tears to the eyes.
Poetry is that / which arrives at the intellect / by way of the heart.
When men are oppressed, it's a tragedy. When women are oppressed, it's tradition.
In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.
He told us that most of us would die violently, and those who did not would be brought down to the level of beasts.
I confess that I cannot understand how we can plot, lie, cheat and commit murder abroad and remain humane, honorable, trustworthy and trusted at home.
The shrill voices of those who give orders Are full of fear like the squeakings of Piglets awaiting the butcher's knife, as their fat arses Sweat with anxiety in their office chairs.... Fear rules not only those who are ruled, but The rulers too.
Oh Christ, the exhaustion of not knowing anything. It's so tiring and hard on the nerves. It really takes it out of you, not knowing anything. You're given comedy and miss all the jokes. Every hour you get weaker. Sometimes, as I sit alone in my flat in London and stare at the window, I think how dismal it is, how heavy, to watch the rain and not know why it falls.
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