Far or forgot to me is near; Shadow and sunlight are the same; The vanished gods to me appear; And one to me are shame and fame.
NatureTruthPhilosophyPerceptionPerspectiveSoulUnityTranscendence
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Emerson suggests that true insight transcends physical distance and conventional oppositions like light and dark or shame and fame.
- In plain terms
- When you are enlightened, distant things feel close and opposites look the same.
- What can you take from it?
- True perspective dissolves ordinary boundaries and contradictions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What boundaries do you perceive as real?
- How does perspective change reality?
Another view
This view may overlook real-world consequences of fame or shame.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
If the red slayer think he slays, Or if the slain think he is slain, They know not well the subtle ways I keep, and pass, and turn again.
Permalink to quote #233 They reckon ill who leave me out; When me they fly, I am the wings; I am the doubter and the doubt; And I the hymn the Brahmin sings.
Permalink to quote #235 For what avail the plough or sail, Or land or life, if freedom fail?
Permalink to quote #232
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