When the act of reflection takes place in the mind, when we look at ourselves in the light of thought, we discover that our life is embosomed in beauty. Behind us, as we go, all things assume pleasing forms, as clouds do far off. Not only things familiar and stale, but even the tragic and terrible, are comely, as they take their place in the pictures of memory.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
(Spiritual Laws)
it seems to me that the vase leans a bit to the left -do you agree? or is it something with my eyes?
I agree, Leelah. At our age we never can be sure when our eyes are playing tricks on us.
Very true thoughts by Emerson. I guess that’s what they mean when they say, Hindsight is 20/20. We might not appreciate things fully when they’re happening, but afterward, we often can see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
It’s true, just this morning I had a big shift of perspective when I was reflecting about things that were happening six years ago, after I was diagnosed with radiation proctitis. Even the hard times can someday be remembered fondly.
I like Emerson’s quotes as a general rule and this one is very insightful. I can see why you like it and have featured it Barbara.
Emerson was truly a master of critical thinking, and it’s amazing how useful to us his wise observations are to this day.
Yes, it’s as if he were prophetic.