Meaning:
This quote by Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, an Italian Renaissance philosopher, encapsulates the essence of human potential and the pursuit of unity with the divine. The quote reflects a deep philosophical and spiritual contemplation on the nature of humanity, its relationship with the divine, and the ultimate purpose of existence.
The quote begins with the notion of finding happiness in the absence of attachment to any created entity. This idea aligns with various philosophical and spiritual traditions that emphasize the liberation from worldly attachments and the pursuit of inner contentment. In this context, the "lot of no created thing" can be understood as the transient and impermanent nature of worldly possessions, relationships, and desires. Mirandola suggests that true happiness can be found when an individual withdraws from the external influences and centers their focus on their inner self.
The concept of withdrawing "into the center of his own unity" speaks to the idea of self-realization and self-awareness. It implies a process of introspection and self-reflection, wherein an individual seeks to understand and harmonize the various aspects of their being. This inner unity can be interpreted as the integration of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve a state of coherence and wholeness.
Furthermore, the quote alludes to the idea of spiritual transcendence and union with the divine. Mirandola suggests that when an individual's spirit becomes unified with God, they enter a state of oneness that surpasses all worldly things. This notion reflects the mystical and transcendental aspects of spirituality, wherein the individual seeks to transcend the limitations of the material world and merge with the divine essence.
The reference to the "solitary darkness of God" may evoke the image of a profound and mysterious divine presence. The "solitary darkness" could symbolize the ineffable nature of the divine, beyond the grasp of human comprehension. It conveys the idea of a divine realm that transcends human understanding and exists in a realm of sublime mystery.
In the concluding phrase, "who is set above all things, shall surpass them all," Mirandola underscores the supremacy of the divine over all worldly phenomena. This assertion reaffirms the belief in the transcendence of the divine and its ultimate authority over the created world. It also implies that through union with the divine, the individual can rise above the limitations and imperfections of the material realm, attaining a state of spiritual elevation.
Overall, this quote from Giovanni Pico della Mirandola encapsulates profound philosophical and spiritual themes, including the pursuit of inner unity, transcendence, and the aspiration for divine union. It invites contemplation on the nature of human existence, the quest for spiritual fulfillment, and the recognition of the divine as the ultimate source of unity and transcendence.