All things by immortal power. Near of far, to each other linked

“All things by immortal power. Near or far, to each other linked are, that thou canst not stir a flower without troubling of a star.” These evocative words from Francis Thompson remind us of the deep and often invisible connections that bind the universe together. Thompson reflects on the idea that everything in the cosmos — from the smallest flower to the farthest star — is interconnected by an immortal power, a force greater than any one of us. In this interconnectedness, even the smallest actions have far-reaching consequences. A single stir of a flower in a quiet garden, it seems, can send ripples through the cosmos, affecting the very fabric of the universe itself.

The ancients held a similar belief in the interconnectedness of all things. In Greek philosophy, Heraclitus famously taught that everything is in a state of constant change and that all things are connected in the great river of life. He spoke of the unity of opposites, understanding that all actions, no matter how small, have a profound effect on the whole. Like Thompson, Heraclitus understood that every movement, every change, even those that seem inconsequential, sends ripples through the world, shaping the path of the future in ways we may never fully understand. The idea that a flower’s movement can affect a star is not mere poetry but a reflection of this ancient truth.

Consider the story of Isaac Newton, who, after observing the fall of an apple, recognized the force of gravity and developed the laws that govern the universe. Newton's insight was not merely a discovery of an isolated phenomenon but a realization that every object in the universe — from the humblest stone to the farthest planet — is connected through the invisible force of gravity. In a sense, the flower and the star are not separate but part of the same universal force. Newton’s work showed how actions in one part of the universe, though seemingly small or distant, can have profound effects on all things, just as Thompson suggests in his verse.

The interconnectedness Thompson speaks of also evokes the notion of karma, which has been explored by thinkers from India to the present day. Karma teaches that every action, thought, and deed ripples out and affects the world around us. Just as stirring a flower can unknowingly trouble a star, our actions—though sometimes small—have effects that we may not immediately see. The great spiritual teachers of the past, such as Buddha and Gandhi, emphasized the importance of mindful action, knowing that the consequences of our deeds extend beyond our individual lives and impact the cosmic order.

In Thompson’s words, there is a profound reminder of humility. The belief that immortal power links all things teaches us to recognize our place in the vast universe. It reminds us that we are not isolated beings, but part of a grand, interconnected cosmic web. A single act of kindness, a moment of cruelty, or a thought of love — each creates ripples that travel far beyond what we can see or understand. This truth calls us to live with greater awareness of the consequences of our actions, both seen and unseen.

In conclusion, Thompson's poetic reflection invites us to honor the sacred connections that bind all things. Whether we are gazing at the heavens or tending to the smallest flower, we are reminded that our actions carry weight, that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. Just as the stars and flowers are linked by immortal power, so too are we linked to the universe in ways both mysterious and profound. In this understanding, we find wisdom and responsibility — a call to live thoughtfully, knowing that even the smallest stir of the flower has the potential to trouble the stars.