Meaning: The quote "It is, finally, a word is untimely in three different senses, and bearing it as one's treasure will not win one anyone's favours; one rather risks finding oneself outside everyone's camp... Beauty is the word that shall be our first" is from the theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar. This quote reflects Balthasar's philosophy on the concept of beauty and its significance in the modern world. Balthasar was a Swiss theologian and Catholic priest known for his influential works on theology, aesthetics, and spirituality.

In this quote, Balthasar discusses the notion of untimeliness in relation to the word "beauty." He suggests that the word "beauty" is untimely in three different senses, indicating that it may not be readily accepted or valued in contemporary society. Balthasar argues that embracing and cherishing the concept of beauty may not necessarily win favor with others, and individuals who do so may find themselves marginalized or excluded from mainstream thought and discourse.

The concept of untimeliness in Balthasar's quote can be understood in several ways. Firstly, it may refer to the idea that beauty is often seen as irrelevant or out of step with the prevailing concerns and values of the modern world. In a society driven by materialism, consumerism, and efficiency, the pursuit of beauty may be perceived as impractical or frivolous. Balthasar suggests that those who prioritize beauty risk being seen as out of touch with the pragmatic and utilitarian mindset of contemporary culture.

Secondly, the untimeliness of beauty may also allude to its transcendence of temporal limitations. Beauty, in its truest form, is not bound by the constraints of time and trends. Balthasar's reference to the three different senses of untimeliness implies that beauty exists outside the narrow confines of the present moment, challenging the transient nature of societal norms and expectations. By emphasizing the untimeliness of beauty, Balthasar highlights its enduring and universal relevance, regardless of the ever-changing currents of human history.

Lastly, the notion of untimeliness in Balthasar's quote may suggest that the pursuit of beauty requires a certain courage and independence of spirit. He warns that embracing beauty as one's treasure may not win immediate approval or acceptance from others. Instead, it may lead to a sense of isolation or detachment from prevailing ideologies and conventions. Balthasar's emphasis on the risks involved in bearing beauty as one's treasure underscores the countercultural nature of this pursuit and the potential for individuals to find themselves outside the established norms and camps of thought.

In the concluding statement, Balthasar asserts that "beauty is the word that shall be our first," emphasizing the primacy of beauty as a foundational concept. This declaration underscores Balthasar's belief in the transformative power of beauty and its capacity to shape human experience and understanding. By positioning beauty as the first word, Balthasar advocates for a reorientation of priorities, urging individuals to recognize and prioritize the significance of beauty in their lives and in the broader context of human existence.

In summary, Hans Urs von Balthasar's quote encapsulates his profound reflections on the untimeliness of beauty and its implications for individuals in the modern world. Through his exploration of the multifaceted nature of untimeliness, Balthasar challenges prevailing notions of relevance, temporality, and societal acceptance, while affirming the enduring significance of beauty as a fundamental and transformative force. His words invite contemplation on the nature of beauty, its relationship to contemporary culture, and the potential for personal and collective renewal through its embrace.