Clothes Quote by Thomas Carlyle
“Why multiply instances? It is written, the Heavens and the Earth shall fade away like a Vesture; which indeed they are: the Time-vesture of the Eternal. Whatsoever sensibly exists, whatsoever represents Spirit to Spirit, is properly a Clothing, a suit of Raiment, put on for a season, and to be laid off. Thus in this one pregnant subject of CLOTHES, rightly understood, is included all that men have thought, dreamed, done, and been: the whole External Universe and what it holds is but Clothing; and the essence of all Science lies in the PHILOSOPHY OF CLOTHES.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sartor Resartus, 1833
The quote likens all worldly phenomena and human endeavors to temporary garments, suggesting that true understanding comes from seeing beyond these fleeting appearances.
In simple terms: Everything is temporary like clothing; deeper insight sees beyond appearances.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond surface appearances to grasp deeper truths.
Themes
transience
perception
philosophy
metaphor
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- Everyday life
- scientific research
- spiritual practice
- artistic creation
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Clothing metaphor
Epistemology
Temporal existence
Questions to Reflect On
- What "clothing" do you wear in your daily life?
- How does recognizing transience change your actions?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex realities by reducing them to mere attire.
