Meaning: Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel was a prominent German poet, philosopher, and literary critic of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was a key figure in the German Romantic movement and a leading proponent of the idea of "universal poetry," which sought to unite all forms of art and knowledge into a single, harmonious whole. Schlegel's quote, "Wit is the appearance, the external flash of imagination. Thus its divinity, and the witty character of mysticism," reflects his deep engagement with the nature of creativity and the role of imagination in human experience.

In this quote, Schlegel offers a profound insight into the nature of wit and its connection to imagination. He suggests that wit is not just a superficial quality, but rather the outward manifestation of a deeper, more profound imaginative capacity. By describing wit as the "external flash of imagination," Schlegel emphasizes the idea that wit is a visible expression of the creative and imaginative processes at work in the mind.

Furthermore, Schlegel's reference to the "divinity" of wit underscores the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of creativity. By associating wit with divinity, Schlegel suggests that the act of creating and expressing wit is a sacred and mystical endeavor. This aligns with the Romantic emphasis on the spiritual and transcendent aspects of art and creativity, as well as the idea of the artist as a kind of visionary or mystic.

The connection between wit and mysticism is further elaborated in Schlegel's assertion of the "witty character of mysticism." Here, Schlegel seems to suggest that wit shares certain qualities with mysticism, such as a sense of enigma, paradox, and the ability to transcend the ordinary bounds of experience. This idea aligns with the Romantic fascination with the mysterious and the unexplained, as well as the belief in the power of art to transport the audience to otherworldly realms of experience.

Schlegel's quote can be interpreted as an invitation to reconsider the nature of wit and its relationship to the deeper workings of the human imagination. Rather than dismissing wit as mere cleverness or superficial humor, Schlegel encourages us to see it as a profound expression of the creative spirit. In doing so, he invites us to recognize the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of wit, and to appreciate its capacity to illuminate, enchant, and provoke deeper reflection.

Overall, Schlegel's quote offers a compelling perspective on the nature of wit and its connection to imagination, divinity, and mysticism. It invites us to consider the deeper significance of wit as a powerful expression of the human capacity for creative insight and imaginative brilliance. In doing so, it aligns with the broader Romantic emphasis on the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of art and creativity, and offers a thought-provoking lens through which to contemplate the nature of wit and its role in human experience.