Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: 'Too fair to worship, too divine to love.'

Too fair to worship, too divine to love.

'Too fair to worship, too divine to love.' This profound quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel captures the essence of a dilemma many individuals face when encountering something or someone extraordinary. At first glance, the quote seems enigmatic, possibly paradoxical - but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper truth about the human experience.In a straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that there are instances where something may be so awe-inspiring, so transcendent, that it surpasses the realm of human comprehension. It becomes 'too fair to worship,' indicating that traditional forms of reverence or adulation fall short in capturing the true essence and beauty of the subject. Conversely, it becomes 'too divine to love,' implying that this extraordinary entity is beyond the realm of human connection and emotional attachment.This quote's importance lies in its ability to evoke introspection and challenge our preconceived notions. It invites us to question the limitations of our understanding and explore the complex nature of our relationship with the extraordinary. To delve deeper into this exploration, let us introduce the philosophical concept of 'Aesthetic Distance.'Aesthetic Distance is a term often used in artistic and philosophical discourse, representing the psychological space between an observer and the object of their scrutiny. It is a concept entrenched in the idea that true appreciation and understanding of something extraordinary can only be achieved by maintaining a certain level of detachment. In this context, Hegel's quote takes on a new dimension.When an object, idea, or person is 'too fair to worship,' it suggests that our human inclinations to idolize or deify fall short in capturing its true essence. By maintaining a certain aesthetic distance, we can acknowledge the limitations of our understanding and avoid imposing our subjective projections onto the object. Instead, we can approach it with humility, recognizing our position as observers seeking appreciation.Similarly, the notion of something being 'too divine to love' can be understood through this lens of aesthetic distance. By keeping an appropriate level of emotional detachment, we avoid the pitfalls of romanticizing or idealizing the subject. We prevent our own desires, biases, and expectations from distorting our perception and appreciate the subject for what it truly is, without imposing our own desires upon it.In essence, Hegel's quote challenges us to find a delicate balance between our natural inclination to worship and love and the need for critical distance and objectivity. It encourages us to embrace awe and transcendence while humbly recognizing our limited abilities to fully comprehend and connect with the extraordinary.To illustrate the complexities inherent in this struggle, let us consider the example of the night sky. When gazing at the stars, we often find ourselves captivated by their beauty and mystery. They seem 'too fair to worship' in the traditional sense, with their grandeur and vastness surpassing our comprehension. Simultaneously, they may feel 'too divine to love,' as they are distant entities that exist outside of our reach and meaningful interaction.However, by embracing aesthetic distance, we can enter into a profound appreciation for the night sky. We recognize that our human limitations prevent us from fully understanding the intricacies of the cosmos. Instead of attempting to grasp it intellectually or attach ourselves emotionally, we find solace in the contemplation of its vastness and awe-inspiring grandeur.In conclusion, Hegel's quote 'Too fair to worship, too divine to love' provokes thought and reflection on our relationship with the extraordinary. By introducing the concept of aesthetic distance, we can begin to navigate the complexities of our admiration and attachment to these exceptional entities. Embracing this delicate balance allows us to appreciate and marvel at the things 'too fair to worship' and 'too divine to love' without losing sight of their true essence.