Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in their readiness to doubt.
H. L. MenckenRead
On the night that the Second World war was declared, there were crowds in the street. It was a summer's night and there was a blackout. On every side you heard people crying: 'Look at the moon!' The moon had been there every minute of their lives and they'd never seen it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the human tendency to overlook beauty in everyday life until faced with significant events.
Laurens Van Der Post's quote highlights the profound realization that during moments of crisis or change, individuals often become aware of the beauty and wonder that exists in their environment, such as the moon which is usually taken for granted. The declaration of war, a moment of darkness, led people to notice and appreciate something they had always overlooked, suggesting that significant events can awaken our senses and prompt us to see the world anew.
Themes
MoonAppreciationBeautyWarAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of appreciating the small things in life.
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