This quote speaks to the notion that deep understanding or penetration into a subject can feel almost like a divine revelation or prophecy. It suggests that when we delve deeply into a topic, when we truly penetrate its surface and explore its depths, we are often rewarded with insights that feel profound and predictive in nature. This is because the deeper our understanding of something, the better equipped we are to anticipate its behavior or outcomes, giving us a sense of foresight or prophecy.

In the context of personal development, this quote might be interpreted as a call to cultivate depth of understanding in our areas of interest or expertise. It encourages us to go beyond surface-level knowledge and strive for a level of comprehension so deep it feels almost prophetic. This might mean dedicating time to study, practice, and reflection, and resisting the temptation to rush or skim over complex topics.

In today’s fast-paced, information-saturated world, this idea is particularly relevant. With so much information readily available, it’s easy to fall into the trap of breadth over depth, consuming information quickly and in large quantities without truly understanding it. Greville’s quote reminds us of the value of slowing down and delving deeply into a subject, of seeking to truly penetrate its depths. This approach not only leads to greater understanding, but can also foster a sense of foresight and wisdom that can be applied in various areas of life, from personal growth to professional decision-making.