Now in the earthly likenesses of justice and temperance…
““Now in the earthly likenesses of justice and temperance and all other prized possessions of the soul there dwells no luster; nay, so dull are the organs wherewith men approach their images that hardly can a few behold that which is imaged, but with beauty it is otherwise. Beauty it was ours to see in all its brightness in those days when, amidst that happy company, we beheld with our eyes that blessed vision, ourselves in the train of Zeus, others following some other god; then were we all initiated into that mystery which is rightly accounted blessed beyond all others; whole and unblemished were we that did celebrate it, untouched by the evils that awaited us in days to come; whole and unblemished likewise, free from all alloy, steadfast and blissful were the spectacles on which we gazed in the moment of final revelation; pure was the light that shone around us, and pure were we, without taint of that prison house which now we are encompassed withal, and call a body, fast bound therein as an oyster in its shell””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human perception is clouded; true beauty and virtue lie beyond superficial images.
In simple terms: We see only shadows of true beauty.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper understanding.
Themes
philosophy
perception
beauty
virtue
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- education
- spiritual practice
- art criticism
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
Platonic forms
illusion
knowledge
Questions to Reflect On
- What shadows cloud your view?
- How can you perceive deeper truth?
A Different Perspective
True insight requires effort.