“Gaze steadfastly at things which, though far away, are yet present to the mind” is a call to exercise our mental faculties to perceive and understand things beyond our immediate physical reality. It encourages us to look beyond the surface, to contemplate on concepts, ideas, or realities that may not be physically present or immediately visible, but are nonetheless significant and impactful.
The “things” referred to in the quote can be anything from abstract concepts like justice, love, or truth to future goals and aspirations. These “things” might be “far away” in the sense that they’re not tangible or immediately perceivable, but they are “present to the mind” because we can conceive of them, think about them, and understand them through our mental faculties.
This quote is particularly relevant in today’s world where we are often encouraged to focus on the immediate, the tangible, and the easily measurable. In the context of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder to not limit our perspective to just what is physically present or immediately gratifying. It suggests that we should also consider our long-term goals, our values, and our deeper aspirations, even if they seem far away or intangible.
For instance, a student might have a dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. This dream might seem far away in the sense that it’s not a reality yet, but it’s present to the mind because the student can envision it, think about it, and plan for it. By gazing steadfastly at this dream, the student can keep themselves motivated, make strategic decisions, and take meaningful steps towards making this dream a reality.
In a broader societal context, this quote can inspire us to contemplate on larger issues like social justice, environmental sustainability, or global peace. These issues might seem far away because they’re complex and can’t be solved immediately, but they are present to our minds because we can understand their significance, envision a better world, and contribute towards it in our own ways.
