For a shining mind and a shining body, you need nature, not gilding or silvering!
This quote emphasizes the idea that true beauty, both physical and mental, comes from natural sources rather than artificial enhancements. “Gilding or silvering” refers to the process of coating something with a thin layer of gold or silver. Here it’s used metaphorically to represent superficial attempts to enhance our appearance or intelligence.
The quote suggests that true brilliance in mind and body can’t be bought, faked, or hurried along by any shortcuts. It implies that genuine health and intellect are rooted in nature – this could mean anything from eating natural foods and spending time outdoors for physical health, to embracing a more organic learning process for mental growth.
In today’s world where there is an obsession with quick fixes and instant results – whether it’s cosmetic surgery for perceived physical flaws or ‘smart drugs’ promising better cognitive function – this quote reminds us of the importance of patience, authenticity and respect for natural processes in personal development.
Applying this idea might involve rejecting harmful societal pressures about how we should look or think; seeking out knowledge for its own sake rather than just as a means to an end; nurturing our bodies with healthy food and exercise; spending time in nature; practicing mindfulness etc.
It encourages us not just to focus on surface-level improvements but also on deep-rooted wellness which is holistic: encompassing physical fitness, intellectual growth, emotional well-being etc. This approach may take more time and effort but ultimately leads to sustainable self-improvement unlike temporary fixes provided by ‘gilding’ or ‘silvering’.
