| Here is the test of wisdom; | |
| Wisdom is not finally tested in schools; | |
| Wisdom cannot be pass’d from one having it, to another not having it; | |
| Wisdom is of the Soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof, |
|
| Applies to all stages and objects and qualities, and is content, | |
| Is the certainty of the reality and immortality of things, and the excellence of things; | |
| Something there is in the float of the sight of things that provokes it out of the Soul. | |
|
| Now I reexamine philosophies and religions, | |
| They may prove well in lecture-rooms, yet not prove at all under the spacious clouds, and along the landscape and flowing currents. |
I love Walt Whitman. I did a paper in one of my philosophy classes on him. The class was "The Meaning of Life" and I pretty much thought Whitman's poetry said what the meaning of life was.
ReplyDeleteThese verses in particular have always resonated with me. It's something I try to remember when I'm told I don't have enough experience. I have *life* experience.
ReplyDelete