Meaning: The quote "Philosophy is properly home-sickness; the wish to be everywhere at home" by Novalis, the pseudonym of Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg, encapsulates a deeply insightful perspective on the nature of philosophy. Novalis was a German poet, philosopher, and mystic who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works often delved into themes of romanticism, transcendentalism, and the interconnectedness of nature and the human spirit. This quote reflects his profound understanding of the essence of philosophical inquiry and the human longing for belonging and understanding.

At first glance, the idea of philosophy being "home-sickness" may seem paradoxical. However, when examined more closely, it reveals a profound truth about the human condition and the quest for meaning and belonging. Home-sickness conveys a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a desire to return to a place of familiarity, comfort, and belonging. In this context, Novalis suggests that philosophy is driven by a similar longing – the yearning to find a sense of belonging, understanding, and purpose in the world.

The second part of the quote, "the wish to be everywhere at home," further illuminates the idea that philosophy is not just a search for intellectual understanding, but also a quest for a sense of belonging and connectedness to the world at large. It implies that true philosophical inquiry seeks to transcend physical and cultural boundaries, allowing the philosopher to feel at home in any environment, whether it be the realm of ideas, nature, or the human experience.

Novalis' perspective on philosophy as home-sickness also speaks to the universal human experience of seeking meaning and understanding. Throughout history, humans have grappled with existential questions, pondered the mysteries of the universe, and sought to find their place within it. Philosophy, in this sense, becomes a vehicle for exploring and reconciling the inherent longing for meaning and belonging that permeates the human condition.

Furthermore, the quote suggests that philosophy is not merely an abstract intellectual pursuit, but a deeply personal and existential endeavor. It reflects the human desire to make sense of the world, to find a sense of belonging, and to feel "at home" in the universe. Novalis' perspective invites us to consider philosophy as a deeply human endeavor that seeks to bridge the gap between the self and the world, ultimately striving for a sense of unity and belonging.

In conclusion, Novalis' quote "Philosophy is properly home-sickness; the wish to be everywhere at home" offers a profound insight into the nature of philosophical inquiry and the human quest for understanding and belonging. It challenges us to consider philosophy not only as an intellectual pursuit but also as a deeply personal and existential longing for connection and meaning. By framing philosophy as a form of home-sickness, Novalis invites us to delve into the universal human experience of seeking belonging and understanding, ultimately shedding light on the profound interconnectedness of philosophy and the human spirit.

I hope this explanation provides a deeper understanding of the quote and its significance in the context of philosophical inquiry.