If he saw two truths that seemed to contradict each other…
““If he saw two truths that seemed to contradict each other, he would take the two truths and the contradiction along with them. His spiritual sight is stereoscopic, like his physical sight: he sees two different pictures at once and yet sees all the better for that. Thus he has always believed that there was such a thing as fate, but such a thing as free will also. Thus he believed that children were indeed the kingdom of heaven, but nevertheless ought to be obedient to the kingdom of earth. He admired youth because it was young and age because it was not. It is exactly this balance of apparent contradictions that has been the whole buoyancy of the healthy man.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Holding contradictory truths simultaneously expands perception, merging fate and free will, youth and age, to form a balanced, dynamic self.
In simple terms: Embrace contradictions to grow.
Accept paradoxes for balance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- decision making
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile opposing beliefs?
- What value does paradox bring to your life?
Balancing contradictions can cause confusion.