Meaning: This quote by Edwin Robinson is a reflection on the human experience and the concept of God. It suggests that God is a name that somehow responds to our innermost thoughts and feelings when we are confronted with the realization of our insignificance in the grand scheme of things. The quote also implies that God is a presence that provides comfort and reassurance in moments of existential contemplation.

Edwin Robinson was an American poet who often explored themes of human nature, morality, and the complexities of existence in his work. In this particular quote, Robinson delves into the idea of God as a mysterious and enigmatic force that offers solace and understanding amid the profound realization of human limitations.

The quote begins with the assertion, "I don't say what God is," indicating Robinson's recognition of the ineffability of the divine. It acknowledges the impossibility of defining or fully comprehending the nature of God, a concept that has puzzled theologians, philosophers, and thinkers throughout history. This humble admission sets the tone for the rest of the quote, inviting contemplation rather than dogmatic assertion.

The subsequent phrase, "but a name," suggests that while the essence of God may remain elusive, the very mention of the name "God" holds significance and power. It conveys the idea that the word "God" carries weight and meaning beyond its literal definition, evoking a sense of reverence, transcendence, and spiritual significance for those who invoke it.

The quote then continues, "That somehow answers us when we are driven," indicating that the concept of God serves as a response or a source of solace when humans are compelled to confront profound existential questions or feelings of powerlessness. It implies that in moments of deep introspection or existential angst, the notion of God provides a sense of reassurance or understanding that transcends rational explanation.

The following line, "To feel and think how little we have to do With what we are," touches upon the theme of human insignificance in the face of cosmic forces and existential mysteries. It suggests that humans are confronted with the realization of their limited control over their own existence and the universe at large. This recognition of human frailty and smallness in the grand scheme of things can be overwhelming, and the quote implies that the concept of God offers a sense of guidance and purpose in the face of this existential dilemma.

Overall, Robinson's quote encapsulates the complex interplay between human consciousness, existential contemplation, and the enigmatic concept of God. It invites readers to ponder the nature of divinity, the limitations of human understanding, and the profound comfort that the notion of God can provide in moments of existential questioning. Through this quote, Robinson offers a nuanced and introspective exploration of the human experience and the enduring quest for meaning and transcendence.