Shall I tell you the secret of the whole world? It is that we have only known the back of the world. We see everything from behind, and it looks brutal. That is not a tree, but the back of a tree. That is not a cloud, but the back of a cloud. Cannot you see that everything is stooping and hiding a face? If we could only get round in front -
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- We only see the backs of things, making the world seem harsh; turning around would reveal its true face.
- In plain terms
- Our limited perspective hides the true nature of reality.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek fresh viewpoints to discover hidden beauty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does ‘turning around’ mean in your life?
Another view
Even from the front, things can still be flawed.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
Moderate strength is shown in violence, supreme strength is shown in levity.
Permalink to quote #13 And it is always the humble man who talks too much; the proud man watches himself too closely.
Permalink to quote #15 For children are innocent and love justice, while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy.
Permalink to quote #12
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