WE begin to die not in our sense or extremities, but in our divine faculties.

What did Henry David Thoreau mean by:

WE begin to die not in our sense or extremities, but in our divine faculties.

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This quote is a profound reflection on the human condition and the way we perceive life and death. In saying "we begin to die not in our sense or extremities, but in our divine faculties," the speaker is suggesting that the process of dying is not necessarily a physical one, but rather a mental and spiritual one. The "divine faculties" referred to here are likely our capacity for thought, creativity, empathy, and other higher-order cognitive and emotional abilities that distinguish humans.

The concept of dying in our divine faculties could be interpreted as a gradual loss or neglect of these higher faculties. This could be due to a variety of factors such as apathy, disillusionment, or the stresses and distractions of modern life. When we stop engaging with the world in a meaningful way, stop challenging ourselves intellectually, or stop feeling empathy and compassion for others, we are in a sense beginning to die, as we are no longer fully utilizing our divine faculties.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, this quote is a timely reminder of the importance of nurturing our higher faculties. With the constant barrage of information and entertainment, it’s easy to fall into a passive state of consumption, neglecting critical thought and creativity. Similarly, the divisive nature of much of today’s discourse can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding for others.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of continuous learning, creative expression, and emotional engagement with the world. It highlights the need to keep our minds active and engaged, our hearts open and compassionate, and our spirits inquisitive and adventurous. To do so is to truly live, while to neglect these faculties is to begin the process of dying.

So, to apply this quote to our lives, we should strive to continuously develop and utilize our divine faculties. This could mean adopting a lifelong learning approach, seeking out new experiences, fostering empathy and understanding towards others, and engaging in activities that challenge and stimulate us mentally and emotionally. By doing so, we can ensure that we are truly living, not merely existing.

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