Beginnings and ends Quote by Nicholas of Cusa
“The world has no circumference. It would certainly have a circumference if it had a centre, in which case it would contain within itself its own beginning and end; and that would mean that there was some other thing which imposed a limit to the world - another being existing in space outside the world. All of these conclusions are false. Since, then, the world cannot be enclosed within a material circumference and centre, it is unintelligible without God as its centre and circumference.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Docta Ignorantia, 1440
The world lacks a physical boundary or center; without God as the ultimate reference, it is incomprehensible.
In simple terms: The universe has no edges; God gives it meaning.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine perspective to understand existence.
Themes
philosophy
theology
cosmology
limits
metaphysics
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- philosophical lectures
- spiritual meditation
- academic curricula
Key Concepts
infinite universe
God as center
human comprehension
spiritual framework
ontological limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the concept of a divine center shape worldview?
- Can meaning exist without a metaphysical anchor?
A Different Perspective
Modern science offers non‑theistic explanations for cosmology.
