Thomas Traherne
Thomas Traherne
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Thomas Traherne
Commonly known as: Thomas Traberne
Birth and Death Dates
Born: 1636 in Herefordshire, England
Died: circa 1674 (exact date unknown)
Nationality and Profession(s)
English poet, theologian, and philosopher
Early Life and Background
Thomas Traherne was born in 1636 in Herefordshire, a rural region in western England. His family was of modest means, but his father was a gentleman farmer who instilled in him a love for learning and the arts. Traherne's early life was marked by hardship and loss; he lost both his parents at a young age and was left to care for himself.
Major Accomplishments
Traherne's accomplishments can be divided into three main areas: poetry, theology, and philosophy. As a poet, he wrote in the style of the metaphysical poets, exploring themes of love, nature, and spirituality. His poetry is characterized by its lyricism, simplicity, and depth.
As a theologian, Traherne was influenced by the writings of John Donne and George Herbert. He developed a unique theology that emphasized the importance of individual experience and personal relationship with God. Traherne's theological ideas were ahead of their time, anticipating the trends of the Enlightenment and modern Protestantism.
In philosophy, Traherne was drawn to the ideas of Plato and the Neoplatonists. He saw the world as a realm of eternal being, where the distinctions between subject and object, self and other, are transcended. Traherne's philosophical thought has been compared to that of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Notable Works or Actions
Traherne's notable works include:
_Centuries of Meditations_ (written 1673-1674): a collection of spiritual meditations on the nature of God, self, and the universe
_Poems_ (published posthumously in 1903): a collection of Traherne's poetry, exploring themes of love, nature, and spirituality
Impact and Legacy
Traherne's impact on literature and theology is significant. His poetry has influenced generations of writers, including William Wordsworth and T.S. Eliot. As a theologian, he helped shape the development of modern Protestantism.
In philosophy, Traherne's ideas about the nature of reality and human experience have been influential in the development of existentialism and phenomenology. His philosophical thought continues to inspire contemporary thinkers and scholars.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Traherne is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human condition, spirituality, and the nature of reality. His poetry and theology offer a unique perspective on the world, one that emphasizes individual experience, personal relationship with God, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Traherne's legacy extends beyond the realm of literature and theology. His philosophical ideas continue to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers across disciplines.
Quotes by Thomas Traherne
Had we not loved ourselves at all, we could never have been obliged to love anything. So that self-love is the basis of all love.
That anything may be found to be in infinite treasure, its place must be found in Eternity and in God’s esteem. For as there is a time, so there is a place for all things. Everything in its place is admirable, deep, and glorious; out of its place like a wandering bird, is desolate and good for nothing.
This visible world is wonderfully to be delighted in, and highly to be esteemed, because it is the theatre of God’s righteous Kingdom.
Had we not loved ourselves at all, we could never have been obliged to love anything. So that self-love is the basis of all love...
An empty book is like an infant’s soul, in which anything may be written. It is capable of all things, but containeth nothing. I have a mind to fill this with profitable wonders.
Your enjoyment of the world is never right, till every morning you awake in Heaven: see yourself in your Father’s palace; and look upon the skies, the earth, and the air as celestial joys: having such a reverend esteem of all, as if you were among the angels.
And every stone and every star a tongue, And every gale of wind a curious song. The Heavens were an oracle, and spoke Divinity: the Earth did undertake The office of a priest; and I being dumb (Nothing besides was dumb) all things did come With voices and instructions...
