In the statement by Edward Everett Hale, he suggests that it can often feel simpler to grasp and comprehend overarching principles when observing distant events rather than those happening directly around us. He likens this idea to astronomy: while we may easily discern the patterns of stars far away in the night sky, it's much more challenging to understand and organize the celestial bodies within our own solar system.
The quote delves into a deeper philosophical question about perspective and understanding. Hale implies that there is something inherently complex or intimate about the immediate environment that makes it difficult to see its overall structure or purpose clearly. It might be easier to find meaning in historical events or distant cultural practices because they are not entangled with our personal biases, emotions, or day-to-day experiences. This difficulty reflects a broader human struggle to fully comprehend and contextualize the intricacies of life around us.
Edward Everett Hale was an American writer, clergyman, historian, and author who lived from 1811 to 1909. He is best known for his literary works that often intertwined moral themes with historical and social commentary. Hale served as a chaplain in the United States Army during the Civil War and was involved in numerous reform movements of his time, contributing significantly to American literature and civic engagement through his writings and public speaking.
