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What has passed with him since then he does not disclose to us. He tells us that we ourselves, led on by him and our own desire, will discover what has passed with him. Many of us have withdrawn from him. They returned to their parents, and learned trades. Some have been sent out by him, we know not whither; he selected them. Of these, some have been but a short time there, others longer. One was still a child; scarcely was he come, when our Teacher was for passing him any more instruction. This child had large dark eyes with azure ground, his skin shone like lilies, and his locks like light little clouds when it is growing evening. His voice pierced through all our hearts; willingly would we have given him our flowers, stones, pens, all we had. He smiled with an infinite earnestness; and we had a strange delight beside him. One day he will come again, said our Teacher, and then our lessons end. - Along with him he sent one, for whom we had often been sorry. Always sad he looked; he had been long years here; nothing would succeed with him; when we sought crystals or flowers, he seldom found. He saw dimly at a distance; to lay down variegated rows skilfully he had no power. He was so apt to break everything. Yet none had such eagerness, such pleasure in hearing and listening. At last, - it was before that Child came into our circle, - he all at once grew cheerful and expert. One day he had gone out sad; he did not return, and the night came on. We were very anxious for him; suddenly, as the morning dawned, we heard his voice in a neighbouring grove. He was singing a high, joyful song; we were all surprised; the Teacher looked to the East, such a look as I shall never see in him again. The singer soon came forth to us, and brought, with unspeakable blessedness on his face, a simple-looking little stone, of singular shape. The Teacher took it in his hand, and kissed him long; then looked at us with wet eyes, and laid this little stone on an empty space, which lay in the midst of other stones, just where, like radii, many rows of them met together.

Novalis#34

SpiritualityCharismaInspirationLeadership

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker describes a mysterious teacher and a child with striking features who inspires deep affection and curiosity.
In plain terms
A charismatic child captivates the group, making them eager to give him gifts.
What can you take from it?
Charismatic individuals can inspire devotion and generosity.

Where it applies

  • educational settings
  • spiritual gatherings
  • creative workshops

Putting it to work

  • cultivate inspiring mentors
  • encourage expressive gifts

Questions to consider

  • What makes a person charismatic enough to inspire gifts?
  • How can we discern genuine influence from blind devotion?

Another view

The description is vague and may idealize the subject without critical assessment.

More from Novalis

  1. Over his own heart and his own thoughts he watched attentively. He knew not whither his longing was carrying him. As he grew up, he wandered far and wide; view…

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  2. I shall in no time forget that moment. We felt as if we had had in our souls a clear passing glimpse into this wondrous World.

    Permalink to quote #35
  3. Surely this voice meant our Teacher; for it is he that can collect the indications which lie scattered on all sides. A singular light kindles in his looks, whe…

    Permalink to quote #32

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