Created Quote by Olaf Stapledon
“It is enough to have been created, to have embodied for a moment the infinite and tumultuously creative spirit. It is infinitely more than enough to have been used, to have been the rough sketch for some perfected creation. Looking into the future, I saw without sorrow, rather with quiet interest, my own decline and fall.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Last and Best Worlds, 1949
Creating and being used in creation is sufficient; future decline can be observed with calm curiosity.
In simple terms: Creation is enough; decline is natural.
Key Takeaway
Accept creative role, observe change.
Themes
creation
existence
impermanence
Mood
contemplative
tranquil
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- artistic projects
- scientific research
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
artistic purpose
cosmic perspective
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you view your contributions?
- What feelings arise when contemplating decline?
A Different Perspective
Some may fear decline rather than accept it.
![“Limiting one’s desires actually helps to cure one of fear. ‘Cease to hope … and you will cease to fear.’ … Widely different [as fear and hope] are, the two of them march in unison like a prisoner and the escort he is handcuffed to. Fear keeps pace with hope … both belong to a mind in suspense, to…” quote by Lucius Annaeus Seneca](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/871/lucius-annaeus-seneca-3079_anxiety_limiting-one-s-desires-actually-helps-to_1947045.jpg)
![“No visiting angel, or explorer from another planet, could have guessed that this bland orb [Earth] teemed with vermin, with world-mastering, self-torturing, incipiently angelic beasts.” quote by Olaf Stapledon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/olaf-stapledon-9950_angel_no-visiting-angel-or-explorer-from-anoth_12107.jpg)
![“[S]ervants of darkness had no lasting joy in their service. In all of them the will for darkness was a perversion of the will for the light. In all but a few maniacs the satisfaction of the will for darkness was at all times countered by a revulsion which the unhappy spirit either dared not…” quote by Olaf Stapledon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/de9/olaf-stapledon-9950_all-time_s-ervants-of-darkness-had-no-lasting-joy_509336.jpg)
