Meaning: Josiah Royce, an American philosopher, explores the concept of longing and its connection to the divine in this quote. The quote suggests that just as humans long for something, so too does God long for something. Royce implies that this longing is rooted in the Absolute Life, which resides within human life and serves as the source of these yearnings. He posits that this Absolute Life embodies the true world and is, in fact, the world itself.

Royce's quote reflects his philosophical perspective, which is deeply influenced by idealism and the concept of the Absolute. In his work, Royce emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the presence of the Absolute as the ultimate reality. He sees the Absolute not as a distant or abstract entity, but as an active force that permeates and animates the world, including human life and consciousness.

The idea that God longs is a departure from traditional theological views that often portray God as a being who is beyond human emotions and desires. Royce's perspective challenges this notion by suggesting that the divine longing is intertwined with human longing, pointing to a shared experience that bridges the gap between the human and the divine.

The concept of longing is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It encompasses desires, yearnings, and aspirations that drive individuals to seek meaning, fulfillment, and connection. Longing can manifest in various forms, such as the longing for love, knowledge, purpose, or transcendence. Royce's quote invites contemplation on the nature of human longing and its relationship to the Absolute.

By asserting that the Absolute Life dwells in human life and inspires these longings, Royce implies that the divine is intimately connected to the human experience. This connection suggests a shared yearning for something beyond the immediate and tangible aspects of existence. It speaks to a deeper, metaphysical longing for unity, wholeness, and truth that transcends individual desires and experiences.

Furthermore, Royce's assertion that the Absolute Life possesses the true world and is that world underscores the idea that ultimate reality is not separate from human existence but rather immanent within it. This perspective aligns with philosophical traditions that emphasize the unity of the divine and the world, rejecting a dualistic separation between the material and the spiritual.

In summary, Josiah Royce's quote encapsulates his philosophical exploration of longing, the Absolute, and the interplay between the human and the divine. It challenges traditional conceptions of God and offers a perspective that intertwines human yearning with the divine longing. By situating the Absolute Life as the source of longing and the embodiment of the true world, Royce invites contemplation on the interconnectedness of existence and the profound nature of human aspirations.