“Quantum mechanics demands serious attention. But an inner voice tells me that this is not the true Jacob. The theory accomplishes a lot, but it does not bring us closer to the secrets of the Old One. In any case, I am convinced that He does not play dice.”
“They say that it’s an inexhaustible well. The thing that comforts me about it is the idea that all of this is from a singular Source. And that this Source is ultimately kind. And even though we may not understand the intentions of this Source, we are all connected and bound by it.”
The way that Einstein is using the word “imagination” in this context does not mean “making things up,” or abandoning the intellect. Quite to the contrary, imagination, in its highest form, means having vision. And vision is the beginning, and constant companion, of any meaningful line of thought, inquiry, or pursuit. Vision is an appreciation for that which is not immediately evident, but which may be revealed through study, synthesized through creative, even abstract thinking, and divined through both introspection and careful attention to the world around us. Vision is the liberation of oneself to imagine what could be — and then to pursue that higher good, that more beautiful reality, with creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm.
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.”
“A finely tempered nature longs to escape from one’s noisy, cramped surroundings into the silence of the high mountains, where the eye ranges freely through the still, pure air and fondly traces out the restful contours apparently built for eternity.”