D. H. Lawrence: 'The Moon! Artemis! the great goddess of the splendid past of men! Are you going to tell me she is a dead lump?'

The Moon! Artemis! the great goddess of the splendid past of men! Are you going to tell me she is a dead lump?

The quote by D. H. Lawrence, 'The Moon! Artemis! the great goddess of the splendid past of men! Are you going to tell me she is a dead lump?' is a powerful expression of the author's reverence for the Moon and its historical significance. It encapsulates the idea that the Moon, often associated with mythological goddesses and ancient beliefs, holds a deep connection to humanity's past. Lawrence questions the notion of reducing the Moon to a lifeless mass, suggesting that it harbors a rich and untapped significance. This quote prompts us to explore the philosophical concept of cyclicality, introducing an unexpected twist to the article.On the surface, the quote seems to be questioning the dismissal of the Moon as a mere "dead lump," challenging the idea that it is devoid of meaning and relevance. By invoking the name of Artemis, the Greek goddess associated with the Moon, Lawrence amplifies the Moon's connection to mankind's cultural and spiritual heritage. He suggests that overlooking the Moon's significance is akin to disregarding our very roots.However, this quote also invites us to contemplate a deeper philosophical theme: cyclicality. Lawrence's use of the phrase "splendid past of men" in relation to the Moon hints at the cyclical nature of history and human existence. Just as the Moon waxes and wanes in a predictable pattern, so too do civilizations rise and fall, ideas and principles resurface. Lawrence's embrace of the Moon as a symbol of the past challenges the notion of linear progress, instead underscoring the eternal recurrence of certain fundamental aspects of human existence.In contemplating this unexpected philosophical concept, we recognize that the Moon's influence stretches beyond its physical properties. Its gravitational force shapes ocean tides and affects the Earth's rotation, but it also has a symbolic weight that anchors us to our collective past. Like a celestial timekeeper, the Moon silently witnesses the endless cycle of birth, growth, decline, and rebirth throughout history.Further exploration of the concept of cyclicality reveals its presence in various philosophical and religious traditions. Hinduism, for instance, recognizes the eternal cycle of life and death, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Buddhism embraces the concept of samsara, the cyclical nature of existence characterized by birth, suffering, and rebirth. In both cases, the Moon serves as a representation of the cyclical nature of life, constantly changing yet eternally present.Contrasting the Moon's seemingly motionless presence with the vivid dynamism of cyclicality, we find that both concepts complement and enrich one another. While the Moon appears still and unchanging from our earthly perspective, it simultaneously embodies the perpetual ebb and flow of human experiences.In conclusion, D. H. Lawrence's quote about the Moon challenges our perception of it as a lifeless object, urging us to recognize its deep connection to mankind's history. Moreover, by introducing the concept of cyclicality, Lawrence expands our understanding of the Moon's significance to encompass a philosophical perspective. In contemplating the Moon's relationship to the past and the eternal recurrence of human experiences, we come to realize that it is far from being a mere "dead lump." Instead, the Moon serves as a cosmic reminder of our interconnectedness with the past and the cyclical nature of our existence.