Appearance Quote by Thomas Carlyle
“But deepest of all illusory Appearances, for hiding Wonder, as for many other ends, are your two grand fundamental world-enveloping Appearances, SPACE and TIME. These, as spun and woven for us from before Birth itself, to clothe our celestial ME for dwelling here, and yet to blind it, lie all-embracing, as the universal canvas, or warp and woof, whereby all minor Illusions, in this Phantasm Existence, weave and paint themselves. In vain, while here on Earth, shall you endeavor to strip them off; you can, at best, but rend them asunder for moments, and look through.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sartor Resartus, 1833
The quote suggests that space and time are fundamental, illusion‑like frameworks that both enable and limit human perception, concealing deeper wonder.
In simple terms: Space and time are grand illusions that hide wonder.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of perception.
Themes
philosophy
metaphysics
perception
illusion
cosmology
Mood
contemplative
curious
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- spiritual practice
- artistic creation
- everyday decision‑making
Key Concepts
Dualism
subject‑object
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience the constraints of space and time?
- Can moments of clarity change your view of reality?
A Different Perspective
These frameworks can be partially glimpsed but never fully removed.
