Quotes With Meaning
There seem, in fact, to be only two views we can hold about awe. Either it is a mere twist in the human mind, corresponding to nothing objective and serving no biological function, yet showing no tendency to disappear from that mind at its fullest development in poet, philosopher, or saint: or else it is a direct experience of the really supernatural, to which the name Revelation might properly be given.
There seem, in fact, to be only two views we can hold about awe. Either it is a mere twist in the human mind, corresponding to nothing objective and serving no biological function, yet showing no tendency to disappear from that mind at its fullest development in poet, philosopher, or saint: or else it is a direct experience of the really supernatural, to which the name Revelation might properly be given.
C.S. Lewis explores two contrasting views of awe in this quote. One perspective suggests that awe is simply a mental phenomenon without any connection to objective reality or biological purpose. This viewpoint implies that awe is a product of our human psyche, persisting through the intellectual and spiritual lives of individuals like poets, philosophers, and saints. The alternative view posits that awe is a genuine encounter with the supernatural, which could be understood as a form of divine revelation. This duality invites reflection on how we perceive profound experiences in life and whether they hold deeper significance or are merely figments of our imagination. Ultimately, recognizing the role of awe can influence our mindset, fostering growth and a sense of freedom in our understanding of existence.