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...if vision is restricted to a belief system, or if it is…

“...if vision is restricted to a belief system, or if it is divorced from all belief systems, it ceases to be vision. What is necessary is that it not restrict itself to a belief system but that belief systems always fall within the scope of poetic horizons... Visionaries (what we shall refer to as…” quote by James P. Carse
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““...if vision is restricted to a belief system, or if it is divorced from all belief systems, it ceases to be vision. What is necessary is that it not restrict itself to a belief system but that belief systems always fall within the scope of poetic horizons... Visionaries (what we shall refer to as poets) do not destroy the walls, but show the openings through them. They do not promise what believers will see, only that the walls do not contain the horizon.””

James P. Carse

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Vision must stay open, not limited by any single doctrine; it should encompass all belief systems within a poetic scope.

In simple terms: Vision should be inclusive, not confined to one belief.

Key Takeaway

Keep horizons broad and poetic.

Themes

creativity philosophy open‑mindedness

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • academic discourse
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Poetic vision belief systems horizon

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance openness with clarity?
  • What beliefs shape your own horizons?
A Different Perspective

Vision can become vague if too unfocused.

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