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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker asks the earth to receive and nurture the human body, viewing it as a precious yet fragile fragment.
In plain terms
Ask the earth to gently take care of the human body as a valuable and fragile part of existence.
What can you take from it?
Treat the physical body as something delicate and worthy of care.

Where it applies

  • burial rites
  • caring for the ill
  • respecting the dead

Putting it to work

  • practicing gratitude for the body
  • environmental stewardship

Questions to consider

  • How do you honor your physical form?
  • What does it mean to be earthly?

Another view

The metaphor of the body as a fragment may imply a dualistic view that separates body from spirit.

More from Prudentius

  1. Fervent bella horrida, fervent ossibus inclusa fremit et discordibus armis non simplex natura hominis.

    Permalink to quote #1

  2. Illic, precor, optime ductor, famulam tibi praecipe mentem, genitali in sede sacrari quam liquerat exsul et errans.

    Permalink to quote #3

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