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.
A set is a Many that allows itself to be thought of as a One.
The masses have no habit of self-reliance or original action.
I ceased using words like optimism and pessimism a long time ago.
The Kingdom of God is Within You.
Sometimes you want to whisper in God's ear, "God, we know you are in charge, but why don't you make it slightly more obvious?"
Take faith, for example. For many people in our world, the opposite of faith is doubt. The goal, then, within this understanding, is to eliminate doubt. But faith and doubt aren't opposites. Doubt is often a sign that your faith has a pulse, that it's alive and well and exploring and searching. Faith and doubt aren't opposites, they are, it turns out, excellent dance partners.
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