A Quote by Franz Winkler on nature, mysticism, science, solitude, soul, spirit

Not too long ago thousands spent their lives as recluses
to find spiritual vision in the solitude of nature.
Modern man need not become a hermit to achieve this goal,
for it is neither ecstasy nor world-estranged mysticism
his era demands, but a balance between quantitative and
qualitative reality. Modern man, with his reduced capacity
for intuitive perception, is unlikely to benefit from
the contemplative life of a hermit in the wilderness.

But what he can do is to give undivided attention, at times,
to a natural phenomenon, observing it in detail, and recalling
all the scientific facts about it he may remember.
Gradually, however, he must silence his thoughts and,
for moments at least, forget all his personal cares
and desires, until nothing remains in his soul but awe
for the miracle before him. Such efforts are like
journeys beyond the boundaries of narrow self-love
and, although the process of intuitive awakening
is laborious and slow, its rewards are noticeable
from the very first.

If pursued through the course of years, something
will begin to stir in the human soul, a sense
of kinship with the forces of life consciousness
which rule the world of plants and animals, and
with the powers which determine the laws of matter.

While analytical intellect may well be called
the most precious fruit of the Modern Age,
it must not be allowed to rule supreme in matters
of cognition.
If science is to bring happiness and real progress
to the world, it needs the warmth of man's heart
just as much as the cold inquisitiveness of his brain.
Franz Winkler

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