Spiritual Laws
Spiritual Laws - meaning Summary
Growth Through Paradox
Emerson presents a vision of a living Heaven that transforms discarded human moments into enduring spiritual architecture. The poem claims divine works are self-sustaining, growing through decay and paradox. Opposites and reactions — flame to freeze, ice to boil — signify creative, redemptive processes that transmute wrongdoing into purity. The image emphasizes continuous moral and metaphysical renewal, where apparent destruction supplies the materials for higher, lasting order.
Read Complete AnalysesThe living Heaven thy prayers respect, House at once and architect, Quarrying man's rejected hours, Builds therewith eternal towers; Sole and self-commanded works, Fears not undermining days, Grows by decays, And, by the famous might that lurks In reaction and recoil, Makes flame to freeze and ice to boil; Forging, through swart arms of Offence, The silver seat of Innocence.
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