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It is not an arbitrary "decree of God," but in the nature…

“It is not an arbitrary "decree of God," but in the nature of man, that a veil shuts down on the facts of to-morrow; for the soul will not have us read any other cipher than that of cause and effect. By this veil, which curtains events, it instructs the children of men to live in to-day.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“It is not an arbitrary "decree of God," but in the nature of man, that a veil shuts down on the facts of to-morrow; for the soul will not have us read any other cipher than that of cause and effect. By this veil, which curtains events, it instructs the children of men to live in to-day.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Human nature tends to obscure future truths, causing people to focus only on immediate concerns and cause‑effect reasoning.

In simple terms: People often ignore future possibilities, living only for today.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate awareness of long‑term consequences.

Themes

philosophy human nature future perception

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • planning
  • policy making
  • personal goal setting
  • education

Key Concepts

veil of ignorance short‑termism cause and effect

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you expand your view beyond today?
  • What habits reveal hidden future patterns?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on the present can limit foresight.

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