No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Thomas BrowneRead
Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.
Interpretation
Humans possess grandeur and dignity, even in death, reflecting on the nature of existence.
This quote by Thomas Browne suggests that the essence of humanity is inherently noble, regardless of the state of beingβwhether it be in life or death. It emphasizes the paradox of human existence, where one can find beauty and dignity in both the transient nature of life and the finality of death, pointing to a deeper reflection on the human condition and our legacies.
In practice
In a eulogy reflecting on a person's life achievements.
No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Content may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
Thus there are two books from whence I collect my Divinity; besides that written one of God, another of his servant Nature, that universal and public Manuscript, that lies expans'd unto the eyes of all; those that never saw him in the one, have discovered him in the other.
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying.
All things are in a state of flux.
The liberal ideal is that everyone should have fair access and fair opportunity. This is not equality fo result. Its equality of opportunity. There's a fundamental difference.
It is of no help to us that there is an absolute truth of the matter of things because unfortunately, none of us are in a position to say definitively what that is - although we all think that we are.
The universe began as an enormous breath being held. I am glad that it did... until this great exhalation is finished, my thoughts live on.
My existence from day to day has become a matter of averting my eyes, of cringing. Death is the only truth left. Death is what I cannot bear to think. At every moment when I am thinking of something else, I am not thinking death, am not thinking the truth.
The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good.
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