Novalis Quotes

We are on a mission: we are called to the cultivation of the earth.

Is not our body in itself nothing but a common central effect of our senses — if we have mastery over our senses — if we are able to transform them into activity at will — to center them at a common point, then it only depends on us — to give ourselves the body we want.

Indeed, in our senses are nothing other than modifications of the mental organ — of the absolute element — then with mastery over this element we shall also be able to modify and direct our senses as we please.

Blood will stream over Europe until the nations become aware of the frightful madness which drives them in circles. And then, struck by celestial music and made gentle, they approach their former altars all together, hear about the works of peace, and hold a great celebration of peace with fervent tears before the smoking altars.

The possibility of all philosophy ... namely, that the intelligence, by affecting itself, gives itself a movement in accordance with its own law — that is, gives itself a form of activity all its own.

mad, were not my perception and reasonings so clear; and this state of mind appears to have brought with it superior knowledge on all subjects.

Куда же мы идем? Всегда домой.

Our body is a moulded river

Fate and temperament are the names of a concept.

To philosophize means to make vivid.

Though the heroes and their fates are inventions, yet the spirit in which they are composed is true and natural.

It depends only on the weakness of our organs and of our self-excitement (Selbstberuhrung), that we do not see ourselves in a Fairy-world. All Fabulous Tales (Mahrchen) are merely dreams of that home world, which is everywhere and nowhere. The higher powers in us, which one day as Genies, shall fulfil our will, are, for the present, Muses, which refresh us on our toilsome course with sweet remembrances.

In most religious systems we are regarded as parts of the godhead which, if they do not obey the impulses of the whole, and even if they do not intentionally act against the laws of the whole, but only go their own way and do not want to be parts of it, are medically treated by the godhead — and either endure a painful cure or even are cut off.

That which the external world perceives as quite motionless has the appearance of being quite at rest. However much it may change, in relation to the external world it always stays at rest. This principle governs all self-modifications. That is why the beautiful appears so much at rest. Everything beautiful is a self-illuminated, perfect individual.

Man is a Sun; his Senses are the Planets.

Philosophy can bake no bread; but she can procure for us God, Freedom, Immortality. Which, then, is more practical, Philosophy or Economy?