The quote, “It is because the spirit is inestimable, that the lifeless body is so little valued” suggests the idea that the true worth of a person lies not in their physical form, but in their spirit or soul. The spirit is described as ‘inestimable’, meaning it’s invaluable and cannot be measured or quantified. This suggests a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their physical attributes or material possessions.
The ‘lifeless body’ in this context could be interpreted as the physical, material aspects of life. These are ‘so little valued’ in comparison to the spirit, suggesting that material possessions, physical appearance, and other superficial aspects of life are of lesser importance.
In today’s world, this quote could be seen as a critique of materialism and the obsession with physical beauty. Despite the constant bombardment of messages suggesting that happiness and worth are found in material possessions and physical attractiveness, this quote asserts that it’s our spirit – our character, values, and actions – that truly define us.
In terms of personal development, this quote could be a reminder to focus on cultivating our inner selves, our spirits. Instead of investing all our energy in improving our physical selves or acquiring material possessions, we could strive to develop qualities like kindness, compassion, resilience, and integrity. These are the qualities that truly add value to our lives and make us invaluable as individuals.
Furthermore, this quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the transient nature of life. Our bodies are temporary and mortal, but our spirit – our thoughts, actions, and the impact we have on others – can outlive our physical existence. Thus, it’s more meaningful to invest in things that last, like our spirit, rather than things that are temporary, like our bodies.