How do we see physically? No differently that we do in our consciousness - by means of the productive power of imagination. Consciousness is the eye and ear, the sense for inner and outer meaning.
NovalisHumanity is the higher meaning of our planet, the nerve that connects this part of it with the upper world, the eye it raises to heaven.
NovalisThe mysterious path goes inward. It is in us, and not anywhere else, where the eternity of the worlds, the past and the future are found.
NovalisOne should, when overwhelmed by the shadow of a giant, move aside and see if the colossal shadow isn't merely that of a pygmy blocking out the sun.
NovalisWhen one begins to reflect on philosophy—then philosophy seems to us to be everything, like God, and love. It is a mystical, highly potent, penetrating idea—which ceaselessly drives us inward in all directions. The decision to do philosophy—to seek philosophy is the act of self-liberation—the thrust toward ourselves.
Novalis