"The old cathedrals are good, but the great blue dome that hangs over everything is better"

Thomas Carlyle's quote suggests that while old cathedrals have architectural charm and cultural significance, they fade in contrast to the splendour and magnificence of the natural world. The "terrific blue dome" can be interpreted as the sky, among the most breathtaking aspects of nature. The quote suggests that the sky is a universal and comprehensive spectacle that transcends language, culture and time. It is a continuous and humbling tip of the vastness and complexity of deep space we inhabit. Hence, Carlyle's quote invites us to value the charm of the natural world and its ability to evoke a sense of marvel within us.