When one has weighed the sun in the balance, and measured the steps of the moon, and mapped out the seven heavens, there still remains oneself. Who can calculate the orbit of his own soul?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Even after measuring the cosmos, we cannot calculate our own soul's orbit.
- In plain terms
- We can map the universe but not understand our inner self.
- What can you take from it?
- Self‑knowledge is more elusive than external science.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What methods help map the inner self?
- Is the soul measurable?
Another view
Some argue the soul can be studied through psychology.
More from Oscar Wilde
We are the zanies of sorrow. We are clowns whose hearts are broken.
Permalink to quote #221 Where there is sorrow there is holy ground.
Permalink to quote #223 We are specially designed to appeal to the sense of humour.
Permalink to quote #220
Related quotes
First get rid of the delusion 'I am the body,' then only will we want real knowledge.
Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda quote #82 Understanding human nature is the highest knowledge, and only by knowing it can we know God. It is also a fact that the knowledge of God is the highest knowled…
Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda quote #171 The glory of the king of all the kings. You with the golden power on your brows, You kings, I think you know not what you are. First you shall learn yourselves…
Lascelles AbercrombieLascelles Abercrombie quote #1