Meaning: The quote "We seek true individuality and the true individuals. But we find them not. For lo, we mortals see what our poor eyes can see; and they, the true individuals, - they belong not to this world of our merely human sense and thought." by Josiah Royce, a prominent American philosopher, reflects a profound exploration of the human quest for true individuality and the elusive nature of such a pursuit.

Royce's quote delves into the human desire for genuine individuality, an aspiration deeply ingrained in the fabric of human experience. The quest for true individuality is a universal and timeless theme that has captivated thinkers, artists, and individuals across cultures and epochs. It encompasses the yearning for authentic self-expression, the search for meaning and purpose, and the longing to transcend the limitations of societal norms and expectations.

In pondering the nature of true individuality, Royce highlights the inherent challenge in attaining it. He laments the difficulty in finding "the true individuals" and suggests that they exist beyond the scope of ordinary human perception. This notion hints at the transcendent, almost mystical quality of genuine individuality, which eludes mere mortal understanding and defies conventional modes of recognition.

Royce's contemplation also raises the question of perception and the limitations of human senses and cognition. He acknowledges the constraints of "our poor eyes" and suggests that the true individuals exist beyond the realm of human sense and thought. This perspective invites reflection on the nature of reality and the possibility of dimensions of existence that surpass the boundaries of human comprehension.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the idea that true individuals may not belong to "this world of our merely human sense and thought." This notion resonates with philosophical concepts of transcendence and the existence of higher or spiritual realms that transcend the material and perceptible world. It prompts contemplation of the potential existence of realities or beings that lie beyond the grasp of human perception.

Royce's words also evoke a sense of longing and yearning for connection with the elusive true individuals. The use of "lo" conveys a tone of astonishment and perhaps even a sense of reverence for these elusive beings. The expression "we find them not" conveys a poignant acknowledgment of the difficulty in encountering true individuals, suggesting that they remain enigmatic and distant from the realm of human experience.

In conclusion, Josiah Royce's quote encapsulates the timeless human quest for true individuality and the enigmatic nature of this pursuit. It invites contemplation of the limitations of human perception, the possibility of transcendent realities, and the insatiable longing for genuine connection and understanding. Royce's words resonate with a sense of wonder and reverence for the elusive true individuals, prompting reflection on the profound mysteries that lie beyond the scope of ordinary human sense and thought.