Essence Quote by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
““We cannot gain an essential knowledge of man through any method that is based on externalization of man's inner being and the placing of this externalized man, of the man who stands at the rim of the wheel of existence, as the subject that knows. If "essential" has any meaning at all, it must be related to the essence, to the Centre or axis which at once generates the spokes and the rim. Only the higher can comprehend the lower, for to "comprehend" means literally "to encompass", and only that which stands on a higher level of existence can encompass that which lies below it. The essence of man, that which is essential to human nature, can be understood only by the intellect, through "the eye of the heart" as traditionally understood.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Heart of the World, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, 1995
Understanding human nature requires inner, intellectual insight rather than external observation; true knowledge comes from the heart‑eye.
In simple terms: True insight is inner, not outward.
Key Takeaway
Seek inner understanding.
Themes
philosophy
spirituality
human nature
Mood
contemplative
reflective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Meditation
- philosophical study
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Essence
Intellect
Heart‑eye
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance inner intuition with external evidence?
- What practices deepen the heart‑eye?
A Different Perspective
Inner insight can be limited by personal bias and lack of experience.
![“Muhammad sets the model for being a good statesman. He also sets the model for being a good warrior, for chivalry, of nobility, of all the things which the Quran and Hadith [The recorded collections of the sayings and traditions of the Prophet] says of treating your enemy with dignity and kindness.” quote by Seyyed Hossein Nasr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dda/seyyed-hossein-nasr-6182_chivalry_muhammad-sets-the-model-for-being-a-good_240170.jpg)
