Famous quote by Elie Wiesel

"What does mysticism really mean? It means the way to attain knowledge. It's close to philosophy, except in philosophy you go horizontally while in mysticism you go vertically"

About this Quote

Elie Wiesel's quote checks out the distinction between mysticism and viewpoint, 2 methods to understanding and translating the world, understanding, and existence. By highlighting the metaphor of instructions-- horizontal for philosophy and vertical for mysticism-- Wiesel offers an informative visualization of how these disciplines approach the pursuit of understanding.

In approach, referred to as moving "horizontally", the pursuit of knowledge is often identified by sensible reasoning, structured argumentation, and vital analysis. Theorists take a look at ideas, ethics, the nature of truth, and understanding itself, normally participating in a linear progression of idea. This technique values empirical proof, rational discourse, and intellectual dispute, highlighting a comprehensive expedition throughout different fields and disciplines. The "horizontal" journey in philosophy indicates a widening or expanding of understanding, where the aim is to cover comprehensive ground and gain a scenic view of knowledge by connecting different ideas and theories.

Conversely, mysticism is depicted as moving "vertically", recommending a deep, introspective journey inward, looking for a more extensive and transcendental understanding. In mysticism, the focus is on personal experience, instinctive insight, and a direct, often emotional, connection with the ultimate truth or the divine. This vertical motion implies a journey towards depth, planning to reach the core essence of existence or fact, instead of just broadening outside. Mysticism often involves practices such as meditation, consideration, and other spiritual workouts that cultivate a sense of unity with something higher than oneself.

Wiesel's imagery underscores how approach and mysticism serve different, yet complementary, pathways to understanding. While viewpoint looks for to check out and map the landscape of human understanding broadly, mysticism ventures to plumb the depths of individual awareness and experience. Both courses are important, offering varied insights into the mystery of existence-- one through reasoned expedition and the other through spiritual discovery. Together, they enhance our grasp of the world and our place within it, providing a fuller comprehension of the complexities and marvels of life.

More details

TagsKnowledgePhilosophy

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Elie Wiesel somewhere between September 30, 1928 and today. He/she was a famous Novelist from USA. The author also have 29 other quotes.
Go to author profile

Similar Quotes