This quote explores the concept of the horizon in both a literal and metaphorical sense. On one hand, it refers to the physical horizon, a line where land or sea meets sky – a standard feature in landscape painting. However, Cooley suggests that this is more than just an artistic convention; it holds deeper significance.
The horizon can represent our goals, dreams or aspirations – those things that we are striving towards but may seem distant or unattainable. It’s “more than a convention” because it’s not just about what we see visually; it encompasses our personal journey and pursuit of our ambitions.
On the other hand, Cooley mentions that the horizon is “less than truth”. This suggests that while our goals might provide direction and purpose, they do not necessarily reflect reality or truth. The horizon is always out of reach; no matter how far you travel, you’ll never physically reach it because as you move forward, so does your perspective on where the land meets sky. Therefore, these ambitions may be continuously evolving and changing as we grow and develop.
Applying this concept to today’s world or personal development could mean understanding that while having goals is important for motivation and progress (the ‘more’ part), we must also recognize their fluidity (the ‘less’ part). Our objectives are not fixed points but should evolve with us over time based on experiences and learning.
We should also remember that reaching these horizons isn’t always synonymous with achieving happiness or fulfillment – hence why they’re ‘less than truth’. Sometimes what matters most is appreciating each step along the journey itself rather than constantly looking ahead towards an elusive endpoint.
