For life is tendency, and the essence of a tendency is to develop in the form of a sheaf, creating, by its very growth, divergent directions among which its impetus is divided.
Henri BergsonRead
The universe... is a machine for the making of gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that the universe provides the conditions necessary for the development of extraordinary beings or ideas.
Henri Bergson's quote implies that the process of existence and creativity within the universe serves a larger purpose—transforming ordinary beings into something divine or godlike. This transformation may refer to personal growth, enlightenment, or artistic creation, indicating that the universe is not just a physical space, but a catalyst for profound change and evolution in consciousness.
Themes
UniverseCreationGodsTransformationExistence
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the nature of existence and creativity.
More from Henri Bergson
All quotes →To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.
Henri BergsonRead
Laughter is the corrective force which prevents us from becoming cranks.
Henri BergsonRead
I believe that the time given to refutation in philosophy is usually time lost. Of the many attacks directed by many thinkers against each other, what now remains? Nothing, or assuredly very little. That which counts and endures is the modicum of positive truth which each contributes. The true statement is, of itself, able to displace the erroneous idea, and becomes, without our having taken the trouble of refuting anyone, the best of refutations.
Henri BergsonRead
Religion is to mysticism what popularization is to science
Henri BergsonRead
And I also see how this body influences external images: it gives back movement to them.
Henri BergsonRead
Similar quotes
When virtue has slept it will arise more vigorous.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
It is a light thing for whoever keeps his foot outside trouble to advise and counsel him that suffers.
AeschylusRead
Just like all great stories, our fears focus our attention on a question that is as important in life as it is in literature: What will happen next?
Karen Thompson WalkerRead
Whoever reads the gospel with a single eye, and sincere intentions, will find, that our blessed Lord took all opportunities of reminding his disciples that His Kingdom was not of this world; that His doctrine was a doctrine of the Cross; and that their professing themselves to be His followers, would call them to a constant state of voluntary suffering and self-denial.
George WhitefieldRead
Some people who've read my story think I had a terrible childhood and that I was neglected or even abused, while others feel that my parents, while certainly flawed, also had truly wonderful qualities. And that's the way it should be, because in real life two people can look at the same president and one will see a hero and the other a villain.
Jeannette WallsRead
Speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing; but there are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout.
Henry David ThoreauRead