The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
The mystery of a person, indeed, is ever divine to him that has a sense for the godlike.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The complexity of a person is sacred and profound for those who appreciate the divine aspects of humanity.
This quote by Thomas Carlyle suggests that understanding a person's true essence or mystery is a divine experience, accessible only to those who possess a deeper sensitivity to the qualities that elevate humanity. It emphasizes the idea that the more profound a person is, the more they can inspire awe and reverence in others who appreciate the complexities of existence and the godlike nature within us all.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a personal development seminar, a speaker might use this quote to illustrate the importance of understanding the deeper aspects of oneself and others.
More from Thomas Carlyle
All quotes βThirty millions, mostly fools.
There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
For the superior morality, of which we hear so much, we too would desire to be thankful: at the same time, it were but blindness to deny that this superior morality is properly rather an inferior criminality, produced not by greater love of Virtue, but by greater perfection of Police; and of that far subtler and stronger Police, called Public Opinion.
Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
Clean undeniable right, clear undeniable might: either of these once ascertained puts an end to battle. All battle is a confused experiment to ascertain one and both of these.
Similar quotes
Each time a new baby is born there is a possibility of reprieve. Each child is a new being, a potential prophet, a new spiritual prince, a new spark of light precipitated into the outer darkness.
The true nature of anything is what it becomes at its highest.
There was a little corner of his mind that was still his own, and light came through it, as though a chink in the dark: light out of the past. It was actually pleasant, I think, to hear a kindly voice agin, bringing up memories of wind, and trees, and sun on the grass, and such forgotten things.
You can't control the fact that you are born a white man or born into wealth. When people say, 'Check your privilege,' they're saying, 'Acknowledge how these factors helped you move through life.' They're not saying apologize for it.
Jesus is much more concerned about shaking your foundations, giving you an utterly alternative self image, world image, and God image, and thus reframing your entire reality. Mere inspiration can never do this.
I have a very simple philosophy. One has to separate the abilities from the disabilities. The fact I cannot walk, that I need crutches or a scooter or whatever it is, has nothing to do with my playing the violin.