The mind, in proportion as it is cut off from free communication with nature, with revelation, with God, with itself, loses its life, just as the body droops when debarred from the air and the cheering light from heaven.

Meaning

At its core, the quote expresses a belief about wisdom. It implies that wisdom grows through experience, and invites reflection on we think before acting.

Theme

Reflections on wisdom reveal how universal the theme is. It resonates since people seek clarity and insight and teaches that every moment can teach something.

About the Author

William Ellery Channing appears frequently in quote anthologies. Their reflections often relate to themes like wisdom.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
wisdom grows through experience.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about wisdom, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we think before acting.