Emanuel Swedenborg
Emanuel Swedenborg: A Visionary Thinker
Full Name and Common Aliases
Emanuel Swedenborg, often referred to simply as Swedenborg, was a Swedish polymath whose work spanned the realms of science, philosophy, and theology. He is sometimes affectionately called "the Swedish Seer" due to his profound spiritual insights.
Birth and Death Dates
Emanuel Swedenborg was born on January 29, 1688, in Stockholm, Sweden, and passed away on March 29, 1772, in London, England.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Swedenborg was a Swedish national. His professional life was as diverse as it was distinguished, encompassing roles as a scientist, philosopher, theologian, and mystic. He was also a prolific inventor and a member of the Swedish House of Nobility.
Early Life and Background
Emanuel Swedenborg was born into a prominent family, the son of Jesper Swedberg, a Lutheran bishop. His upbringing was steeped in religious and intellectual rigor, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Swedenborg's early education was comprehensive, covering classical languages, mathematics, and natural sciences. He attended Uppsala University, where he further honed his skills in various scientific disciplines. His early career was marked by a keen interest in engineering and mechanics, leading to several inventions and contributions to Sweden's mining industry.
Major Accomplishments
Swedenborg's career was marked by significant achievements across multiple fields. As a scientist, he made substantial contributions to the understanding of anatomy and physiology, particularly with his work on the brain and nervous system. His scientific endeavors were recognized by his appointment to the Swedish Board of Mines, where he served for over three decades.
In the realm of philosophy, Swedenborg's work anticipated many ideas that would later be explored by Enlightenment thinkers. His philosophical writings delved into the nature of the soul, the structure of the universe, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Notable Works or Actions
Swedenborg's most notable works are his theological writings, which he began publishing after a profound spiritual awakening in his mid-fifties. This transformation led him to write extensively on the nature of the afterlife, the spiritual world, and the interpretation of the Bible. His seminal work, "Heaven and Hell," offers a detailed account of his visions of the afterlife and remains a cornerstone of Swedenborgian thought. Other significant works include "Divine Love and Wisdom" and "The True Christian Religion," which articulate his theological perspectives and have influenced religious thought worldwide.
Impact and Legacy
Emanuel Swedenborg's impact is felt across various domains. In science, his early work laid the groundwork for future discoveries in anatomy and physiology. His philosophical ideas contributed to the intellectual currents of the Enlightenment, influencing thinkers such as Immanuel Kant. However, it is his theological writings that have left the most enduring legacy. Swedenborg's visions and interpretations of the spiritual realm inspired the formation of the New Church, a religious movement that continues to thrive today.
Swedenborg's influence extends beyond religious circles, impacting literature, art, and psychology. Notable figures such as William Blake, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Carl Jung have drawn inspiration from his ideas, integrating them into their own work and thereby extending Swedenborg's reach into diverse cultural and intellectual spheres.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Emanuel Swedenborg is widely quoted and remembered for his unique ability to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His visionary insights into the nature of the universe and the human soul continue to resonate with those seeking a deeper understanding of existence. Swedenborg's writings offer a rich tapestry of thought that challenges conventional boundaries and invites readers to explore the profound connections between the material and spiritual worlds.
His legacy as a thinker who transcended the limitations of his time ensures that his words remain relevant and inspiring. Swedenborg's ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and depth makes his quotes a source of wisdom for those navigating the complexities of modern life. Whether through his scientific observations, philosophical musings, or spiritual revelations, Emanuel Swedenborg's contributions continue to illuminate the path for seekers of truth and understanding.
Quotes by Emanuel Swedenborg
Emanuel Swedenborg's insights on:
The quality of the Lord's church on earth, cannot be seen by any man, so long as he lives in the world, still less how the church in process of time has turned aside from good to evil.
To have dominion by religion, is to have dominion over men's souls, thus over their very spiritual life, and to use the Divine things, which are in their religion, as the means.
Seen in its own right, a loving person’s inner spirit is an angel of heaven, and while we are living in the body we are also in the company of angels, even though we are not aware of it; and once we are released from the body we join them.
The quality of the Lord’s church on earth, cannot be seen by any man, so long as he lives in the world, still less how the church in process of time has turned aside from good to evil.
When they enter the church, and even more when they climb the stairs into the pulpit, I know that the people meant by Lucifer in Isaiah – the people of Babylon, especially those who named themselves the Society of Jesus – are overcome with passion. For many of them that passion comes from a hellish love. They raise their voices more vehemently and draw sighs from their chests more deeply than those whose passion comes from a heavenly love. There.
The Divine of the Lord in heaven is love, for the reason that love is receptive of all things of heaven, such as peace, intelligence, wisdom and happiness.
There are angels that receive more interiorly the Divine that goes forth from the Lord, and others that receive it less interiorly; the former are called celestial angels, and the latter spiritual angels.
No one’s character is completely like another’sthis infinite variety is like a mirror in which we can see the infinity of God the Creator.
Every single moment of a person’s life, both of the understanding and of the will, is a new beginning.