“I do not crush the world's corolla of wonders, and I do not kill with reason the mysteries I meet along my way.”Lucian Blaga · Poemele luminii · 1919 · Poemele luminii, Eu nu strivesc corola de minuni a lumii
Preserving the wonder of the world means not destroying its mystery through cold reason.
Blaga rejects the scientific attitude that reduces everything to causes and effects, losing the charm of existence. The corolla of wonders is the fragile image of a reality full of mysteries. Not crushing it means leaving room for poetry and faith. For instance, when you see a rainbow, you can explain light refraction or remain amazed by its beauty. Blaga chooses the latter.
When you look at a rainbow, you can break it down into wavelengths. But you lose something essential. Blaga invites us to keep both perspectives: science and wonder. Living with an open mind does not mean rejecting knowledge, but not letting reason kill mystery. For example, you can know that tea is hot because of molecules, yet still enjoy its warmth. This tension between science and poetry enriches our lives. How do you apply this double gaze in your daily routine?
Why it matters In a world dominated by information and efficiency, this thought reminds us to value experiences that cannot be fully measured or explained.