The gods disappeared with their following — nature stood forlorn and lifeless. Arid count and strict measure bound her with iron chains. - Novalis

Nature too remains, so far as we have yet come, ever a frightful Machine of Death: everywhere monstrous revolution, inexplicable vortices of movement; a kingdom of Devouring, of the maddest tyranny; a baleful Immense: the few light-points disclose but a so much the more appalling Night, and terrors of all sorts must palsy every observer.

The division of Philosopher and Poet is only apparent, and to the disadvantage of both. It is a sign of disease, and of a sickly constitution.

Man is the higher Sense of our Planet; the star which connects it with the upper world; the eye which it turns towards Heaven.