. . . Metamorphosis is the law of the universe. All forms are fluent, and as the bird alights on the bough and pauses for rest, then plunges into the air again on its way, so the thoughts of God pause but for a moment in any form, but pass into a new form, as if by touching the earth again in burial, acquire a new energy. A wise man is not deceived by the pause: he knows it is momentary: he already foresees the new departure, and departure after departure, in a long series. Dull people think they have traced the matter far enough if they have reached the history of one of these temporary forms, which they describe as fixed and final.
— Journal Entry, Autumn 1845