Not only does the universe have its own laws, all of them indifferent to the contradictory dreams and desires of humanity, and in the formulation of which we contribute not one iota, apart, that is, from the words by which we clumsily name them, but everything seems to indicate that it uses these laws for aims and objectives that transcend and always will transcend our understanding.
Interpretation
The universe operates under its own laws, independent of human desires, suggesting a greater purpose beyond our understanding.
In this quote, José Saramago reflects on the nature of the universe, emphasizing that its laws exist independently of human aspirations and dreams. He posits that, while humans may attempt to name and understand these laws, our comprehension is limited and does not influence the universe's grand design, which aims at objectives beyond our grasp.
In practice
When discussing the limits of human understanding in a philosophy class.
Why did we become blind, I don't know, perhaps one day we'll find out, Do you want me to tell you what I think, Yes, do, I don't think we did go blind, I think we are blind, Blind but seeing, Blind people who can see, but do not see.
I can't imagine myself outside any kind of social or political involvement. Yes, I'm a writer, but I live in this world, and my writing doesn't exist on a separate level. And if people know who I am and read my books, well, good; that way, if I have something more to say, then everyone benefits.
...you have to leave the island in order to see the island, that we can't see ourselves unless we become free of ourselves, Unless we escape from ourselves you mean, No, that's not the same thing.
Whether we like it or not, the one justification for the existence of all religions is death, they need death as much as we need bread to eat.
With the passage of time, as well as the social evolution and genetic exchange, we ended up putting our conscience in the color of our blood and the salt of our tears.
En ningún momento de la historia, en ningún lugar del planeta, las religiones han servido para que los seres humanos se acerquen unos a los otros. Por el contrario, sólo han servido para separar, para quemar, para torturar. No creo en dios, no lo necesito y además soy buena persona.
As a moth gnaws a garment, so doth envy consume a man.
To reconcile conflicting parties, we must have the ability to understand the suffering of both sides.
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default it can never be recovered.
The waters are in motion, but the moon retains its serenity.
Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
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