Association Quote by Thomas Cole
“. . .nature is still predominant, and there are those who regret that with the improvements of cultivation the sublimity of the wilderness should pass away: for those scenes of solitude from which the hand of nature has never been lifted, affect the mind with a more deep toned emotion than aught which the hand of man has touched. Amid them the consequent associations are of God the creator-they are his undefiled works, and the mind is cast into the contemplation of eternal things.”
About This Quote
Source Painting: The Course of Empire, 1833–1836
Cole reflects that industrial progress threatens the untouched wilderness, which evokes deeper spiritual emotions and contemplation of the divine.
In simple terms: Modern development endangers pure nature, stirring profound spiritual feelings.
Key Takeaway
Preserve natural spaces to maintain spiritual connection.
Themes
nature
industrialization
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- conservation activism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
environmental philosophy
aesthetic appreciation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal experience of nature shape your worldview?
- Can development coexist with preserving solitude?
A Different Perspective
Progress may bring benefits that outweigh loss of wilderness for some.
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