"Self-alienation is the source of all degradation as well as, on the contrary, the basis of all true elevation. The first step will be a look inward, an isolating contemplation of our self. Whoever remains standing here proceeds only halfway. The second step must be an active look outward, an autonomous, determined observation of the outer world."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Fragment No. 24 Variant translation: The first step is to look within, the discriminating contemplation of the self. He who remains at this point only half develops. The second step must be a telling look without, independent, sustained contemplation of the external world.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Novalis
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Related Quotes
"The king is a higher man to whom an earthly fate is given. This poetry imposes itself on a person necessarily. It alo…"
"The king is the true life principle of the state; just like the sun in the planetary system. First of all, the suprem…"
"A king born is better than one made. The best person will not be able to endure such an elevation without changing. T…"
"Bending before men is a reverence done to this Revelation in the Flesh. We touch Heaven, when we lay our hand on a hu…"
"A character is a completely fashioned will. (vollkommen gebildeter Wille)."
"Fate and temperament are the names of a concept."
"Fate and temperament are two words for one and the same concept."
"There is, properly speaking, no Misfortune in the world. Happiness and Misfortune stand in continual balance. Every M…"
"Unser Leben ist kein Traum, aber es soll und wird vielleicht einer werden."
"I was still blind, but twinkling stars did dance Throughout my being's limitless expanse, Nothing had yet drawn close…"