You are always nearer the divine and the true sources of your
Hearken, O children of the spirit, to the luminous words of John Burroughs, who reminds mortals of the nearness of the divine and the wellspring of their own power. He declares that these sacred sources lie closer than we often perceive, waiting to be recognized, embraced, and drawn upon. Herein lies a teaching for the ages: the human soul carries within it the seeds of greatness, courage, and understanding, and the task of life is to awaken and access these inner treasures.
The origin of this reflection is rooted in Burroughs’ life as a naturalist, essayist, and observer of the world, whose communion with nature inspired deep contemplation of the human spirit. He observed that the grandeur of mountains, the serenity of rivers, and the cycles of life echo the presence of the divine, and that human beings, attuned to this rhythm, find within themselves the latent power to shape their lives and act with purpose. His words serve as both encouragement and revelation: the sacred is not distant, but immanent.
The meaning of this aphorism is profound: many seek power or wisdom in distant places, in external validations or material possessions, yet the true sources reside within. By attuning the heart and mind to the eternal, by cultivating awareness and reflection, mortals may draw upon the divine and uncover the reservoirs of strength and insight already present. Burroughs teaches that self-realization is intertwined with recognition of the sacred within.
History provides vivid illustration of this truth. Consider Leonardo da Vinci, whose keen observation of the world, disciplined mind, and curiosity allowed him to tap into the boundless sources of creativity and understanding within himself. By attuning to his own inner vision, he accessed genius that transformed art, science, and human knowledge. Here, Burroughs’ counsel is made manifest: the divine and true power are often nearer than the mind suspects, waiting to be awakened through discipline and perception.
Moreover, this teaching extends beyond geniuses to all who seek purpose and insight. The farmer, the healer, the teacher, and the seeker of truth all carry within them untapped wells of power and connection to the eternal. Recognition and cultivation of these inner resources transform ordinary action into profound impact, revealing that the sacred and the capable reside within, not solely in distant or external forces.
O generations yet unborn, take this counsel into your hearts: seek within, for you are ever nearer the divine and the true sources of your power than you think. Draw upon these wells with courage, reflection, and purpose, and let your deeds echo the strength and wisdom that lie dormant within your soul. In this awakening, life becomes both luminous and potent, and the mortal spirit aligns with the eternal currents of creation and understanding.
JKjunny kim
Burroughs’ words make me think about how we often look outside ourselves for strength, when perhaps the real source is much closer than we think. This makes me wonder if we’re too focused on external validation or circumstances instead of realizing the power within. How do we overcome the self-doubt and external noise that makes us feel distant from our true power? Maybe this is more about shifting our perspective than anything else.
TTHung Thi Thanh
This quote resonates with me because it speaks to the idea that we often underestimate our potential. I think many of us feel lost or disconnected from a higher purpose, but maybe that’s because we’re looking in the wrong places. What does it really mean to be ‘nearer the divine’? Is it about being present in the moment, or is it something deeper, like a spiritual connection? It’s an idea I’d love to explore further.
HHUY
I love how this quote challenges the way we often view power. It suggests that power isn’t something external that we need to fight for; it’s already within us, just waiting to be recognized. But why do we often feel disconnected from it? Is it a matter of mindset, or are we just too caught up in the distractions of daily life? I’m curious about how we can make this realization a part of our everyday lives.
TNHa Tran Ngoc
This quote gives me a sense of reassurance, like a reminder that we have more power and potential than we realize. It’s comforting to think that the divine or true power isn’t some distant, unreachable force, but something that’s within our grasp. But I wonder, how do we tap into this power? Is it about self-awareness, spirituality, or something else? What’s the key to realizing that we’re always nearer to it?