Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living: All things fall under this name. The Sun itself is but the dark simulacrum, and the light but the shadow of God.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Earthly life is a faint copy of divine reality, and death is just a shadow of existence.
- In plain terms
- Real life is spiritual, and earth is just a shadow.
- What can you take from it?
- See beyond the physical world to find truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is the material world real or just a shadow?
- What lies beyond the veil?
Another view
It dismisses the value of physical reality entirely.
More from Sir Thomas Browne
Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible Sun within us.
Permalink to quote #52 But the Quincunx of Heaven runs low, and 'tis time to close the five ports of knowledge.
Permalink to quote #54 But man is a Noble Animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave, solemnizing Nativities and Deaths with equal lustre, nor omitting Ceremonies of Bravery…
Permalink to quote #51
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