Meaning: The quote "Klopstock was questioned regarding the meaning of a passage in his poem. He replied, 'God and I both knew what it meant once; now God alone knows.'" by Cesare Lombroso, a psychologist, reflects the enigmatic nature of artistic creation and the evolving interpretation of creative works over time. The quote attributes the authorship to Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist, physician, and founder of the Italian School of Positivist Criminology. Lombroso is best known for his work on criminal anthropology and the concept of the "born criminal."

The quote is often interpreted as a commentary on the elusive and subjective nature of artistic creation and the transient understanding of the creators themselves regarding the meaning of their work. It suggests that the original intention of the creator may become lost or obscured over time, leaving only a transcendent understanding that lies beyond human comprehension.

Johann Klopstock, the German poet to whom the quote is attributed, was a prominent figure in German literature and is best known for his epic poem "Messiah." Klopstock's response to the question about the meaning of a passage in his poem conveys a sense of humility and reverence for the creative process. It suggests that the meaning of a work of art may transcend the conscious understanding of the artist and become a mystical or divine revelation.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of interpretation and the role of the audience in assigning meaning to artistic works. It highlights the idea that the meaning of a poem, or any work of art, is not fixed or static but can evolve over time and be subject to the interpretations of different audiences and cultural contexts.

From a psychological perspective, the quote can be seen as an acknowledgment of the subconscious and unconscious elements that contribute to artistic creation. It reflects the idea that artists may not always fully understand the deeper layers of meaning and inspiration that inform their work, and that the creative process can involve elements of intuition, mystery, and spiritual insight.

In the context of Cesare Lombroso's work as a psychologist, the quote may also be interpreted as a reflection of the complexity of human consciousness and the limitations of rational understanding when it comes to matters of creativity and artistic expression. It points to the enigmatic and transcendent aspects of human creativity that defy easy explanation or categorization.

Overall, the quote attributed to Cesare Lombroso captures the profound and ineffable nature of artistic creation and the enduring mystery of artistic expression. It invites contemplation on the elusive nature of meaning in art, the evolving interpretations of creative works, and the enigmatic relationship between the artist, the audience, and the divine or transcendent sources of inspiration.