Meaning: The quote "Spiritual beings, either from the beginning or soon thereafter, become what they are to be for ever and ever" is attributed to Giovanni Mirandola, an Italian Renaissance philosopher. This quote reflects Mirandola's ideas about the nature of spiritual beings and their eternal essence. In this quote, Mirandola suggests that spiritual beings, whether they are created as such from the beginning or soon after their creation, attain their eternal form and purpose, which they will possess for all eternity.

Giovanni Mirandola was a prominent figure in the Italian Renaissance, known for his philosophical works and his commitment to the idea of human potential and freedom. One of his most famous works is the "Oration on the Dignity of Man," in which he expounds his views on the nature of humanity and its place in the universe. Mirandola was deeply influenced by Neoplatonism and Christian mysticism, and his writings often reflect a blend of these philosophical and religious traditions.

In the context of the quote, "spiritual beings" can be interpreted as entities with a transcendent or divine nature, such as angels, souls, or other non-physical entities. Mirandola's assertion that these beings "become what they are to be for ever and ever" suggests a belief in the eternal and unchanging nature of spiritual essence. This concept aligns with the idea of an immutable and timeless aspect of the spiritual realm, distinct from the transient and changeable nature of the material world.

The phrase "either from the beginning or soon thereafter" implies that the eternal nature of spiritual beings is established either at the moment of their creation or shortly thereafter. This could be interpreted as a reference to the idea that spiritual beings are endowed with their essential nature and purpose at the outset of their existence, or that they quickly evolve into their eternal form soon after coming into being.

Mirandola's emphasis on the eternal and unchanging nature of spiritual beings reflects a broader philosophical and theological perspective prevalent during the Renaissance. This period witnessed a renewed interest in the study of classical texts, as well as a flourishing of new ideas and perspectives on human existence and spirituality. Mirandola's quote can be seen as a reflection of the Renaissance fascination with the nature of the divine, the human soul, and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and material realms.

From a theological standpoint, the quote can be interpreted in the context of Christian beliefs about the nature of the soul and its eternal destiny. In Christian theology, the idea of the soul's eternal nature and its ultimate destiny in the afterlife is a central tenet. Mirandola's quote aligns with this concept by emphasizing the eternal nature of spiritual beings and their unchanging essence.

Overall, the quote "Spiritual beings, either from the beginning or soon thereafter, become what they are to be for ever and ever" encapsulates Giovanni Mirandola's philosophical and theological views on the eternal nature of spiritual beings. It reflects his belief in the unchanging essence of these entities and their eternal destiny, drawing from the rich intellectual and spiritual milieu of the Italian Renaissance.