"To light one candle to God and another to the Devil is the principle of wisdom"
- Jose Bergamin
About this Quote
José Bergamín's quote, "To light one candle to God and another to the Devil is the principle of wisdom," recommends a nuanced point of view on life that acknowledges the intricacy of humanity and the world in which we live. This metaphor can be analyzed as an encouragement to welcome duality and balance, accepting that life typically includes navigating in between opposing forces or ideologies.
On one level, lighting a candle light to both God and the Devil might indicate an approval of both excellent and wicked as intrinsic elements of life. It suggests that wisdom depends on acknowledging the coexistence of opposing forces instead of denying or neglecting one in favor of the other. This duality is reflected in numerous aspects of human experience, where options and scenarios are often not just black or white however exist within a spectrum of gray.
Moreover, the quote can be viewed as a metaphor for acknowledging the intricacy of human morality and decision-making. It invites us to cultivate a flexible state of mind that is open to contradictions and paradoxes. In embracing both sides, we are contacted us to exercise discernment, recognizing when to utilize compassion, compassion, and understanding, and when to protect, obstacle, or even oppose.
Furthermore, Bergamín's words can be considered as a commentary on pragmatic wisdom. It suggests that to be wise in the world, one need to be adaptable and sensible about the complex nature of reality. This might include making compromises, comprehending different perspectives, and in some cases reconciling with seemingly clashing interests or beliefs to attain harmony and progress.
Further, the quote may serve as a pointer that human experience is about balance and combination. By lighting a candle to both God and the Devil, we acknowledge the existence and impact of all aspects of life, intending to understand them without extreme judgment or predisposition, and hence discover a course that appreciates the full spectrum of presence.
The knowledge Bergamín mentions here is therefore about welcoming complexity, promoting balance, and recognizing diversity within the unity of human experience.
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