Robert Louis Stevenson: 'I never weary of great churches. It is my favorite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral.'

I never weary of great churches. It is my favorite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral.

In his profound words, Robert Louis Stevenson shares his unwavering admiration for great churches and declares them to be his favorite kind of mountain scenery. Such a statement might seem peculiar at first—how can majestic structures built by mankind be likened to the awe-inspiring beauty of natural landscapes? However, upon closer examination, one realizes that Stevenson's sentiment is rooted in the profound inspiration that cathedrals evoke. They stand as a testament to mankind's limitless creativity and spiritual longing, representing an architectural manifestation of the divine.Stevenson's assertion highlights the deep connection between human ingenuity and our desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. Cathedrals, with their soaring spires and intricate designs, embody the pinnacle of human craftsmanship and imaginative vision. They serve as spiritual sanctuaries, beckoning us to step inside and experience a profound sense of awe and transcendence. The sheer grandeur of these structures encourages contemplation and introspection, offering solace to troubled minds and inspiring hope in the hearts of all who enter.One can view great churches as more than just physical structures; they are artistic masterpieces that encapsulate the emotional and spiritual essence of a community or culture. Like lofty mountains that challenge our perception of space and time, cathedrals thrust us into a realm where beauty and divinity intertwine. The meticulous symphony of architectural elements, intricate stained glass windows, and majestic organs creates a multisensory experience that overwhelms the senses.Yet, there is a philosophical concept that can further deepen our understanding of Stevenson's sentiments. In exploring the idea of transcendent human creation, we encounter the concept of "sub-creation." This concept, popularized by J.R.R. Tolkien, posits that as beings created in the image of a divine Creator, humans possess the ability to participate in the act of creation. Through art, literature, and architecture, humans become sub-creators, shaping and reflecting their own unique visions of truth and beauty.Thus, the parallelism between churches and mountain scenery becomes clear. Just as great churches are the result of humankind's inspired creativity, mountain landscapes are nature's masterpieces—the work of the ultimate Creator. Mountains, with their majestic peaks and deep valleys, exude a sense of timelessness and awe that mirrors the spirit of cathedrals. Both invoke a profound sense of reverence and remind us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence.Throughout history, cathedrals have withstood the test of time, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the ebb and flow of cultural shifts, and the evolution of civilizations. They stand as monuments to the resilience of the human spirit, icons of enduring faith and artistic achievement. As we wander through their hallowed halls, we cannot help but be humbled by the cumulative efforts of countless generations who envisioned and brought these structures to life.In essence, Stevenson's quote encapsulates the enchantment that great churches instill in our souls. It encapsulates mankind's longing for purpose and the desire to create something that transcends the boundaries of our individual existence. Cathedrals, like the mountains, remind us of our capacity for greatness, for tapping into the divine wellspring of inspiration. So, let us continue to marvel at these architectural wonders and find solace and inspiration within their sacred spaces, for in doing so, we honor the indomitable spirit of human creativity and the eternal search for something beyond ourselves.