No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Thomas BrowneRead
Men that look no further than their outsides, think health an appurtenance unto life, and quarrel with their constitutions for being sick; but I that have examined the parts of man, and know upon what tender filaments that fabric hangs, do wonder that we are not always so; and considering the thousand doors that lead to death, do thank my God that we can die but once.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the fragility of life and the deeper understanding of health and existence.
Thomas Browne's quote delves into the notion that many people overlook the complexities of health and life, focusing only on external appearances. He expresses gratitude for the single opportunity to face death, emphasizing the delicate nature of human existence and pondering why we are not more grateful for life given its inherent frailty.
Themes
HealthLifeDeathExistenceGratitudePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a philosophical discussion about the nature of life and health.
More from Thomas Browne
All quotes →Content may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
Thomas BrowneRead
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.
Thomas BrowneRead
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
Thomas BrowneRead
Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
Thomas BrowneRead
The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying.
Thomas BrowneRead
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