In my solitude I have pondered much on the incomprehensible subjects of space, eternity, life and death.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on deep and complex topics related to existence and the universe.
Alfred Russel Wallace expresses a contemplative attitude towards profound themes such as space, eternity, life, and death during his moments of solitude. This suggests that reflecting on such incomprehensible subjects can lead to deeper understanding and awareness of our place in the universe and the nature of existence itself.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of introspection.
In less than eight years "The Origin of Species" has produced conviction in the minds of a majority of the most eminent living men of science. New facts, new problems, new difficulties as they arise are accepted, solved, or removed by this theory; and its principles are illustrated by the progress and conclusions of every well established branch of human knowledge.
If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations.
As well might it be said that, because we are ignorant of the laws by which metals are produced and trees developed, we cannot know anything of the origin of steamships and railways
On the spiritual theory, man consists essentially of a spiritual nature or mind intimately associated with a spiritual body or soul, both of which are developed in and by means of a material organism
Come my spade. There is no ancient gentlemen but gardeners, ditchers, and grave-makers; they hold up Adam's profession.
You think that just because it's already happened, the past is finished and unchangeable? Oh no, the past is cloaked in multicolored taffeta and every time we look at it we see a different hue.
Majorities and minorities cannot rightfully be taken at all into account in deciding questions of justice.
It is their character indeed that makes people who they are. But it is by reason of their actions that they are happy or the reverse.
I have a dreadful fear that the more you try to prevent revealing the self the more you do.
Although you may not stumble across a Martian in the garden, you might stumble across yourself. The day that happens, you'll probably also scream a little. And that'll be perfectly all right, because it's not every day you realize you're a living planet dweller on a little island in the universe.
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