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The world that I regard is myself; it is the Microcosm of my own
frame that I cast mine eye on; for the other, I use it but like my
Globe, and turn it round sometimes for my recreation. Men that look
upon my outside, perusing only my condition and Fortunes, do err in
my Altitude; for I am above Atlas his shoulders. The earth is a
point not only in respect of the Heaven above us, but of that
heavenly and celestial part within us; that mass of Flesh that
circumscribes me, limits not my mind; that surface that tells the
Heavens it hath an end, cannot persuade me I have any: I take my
circle to be above three hundred and sixty; though the number of the
Arc do measure my body, it comprehendeth not my mind; whilst I study
to find how I am a Microcosm, or little World, I find myself
something more than the great one. There is surely a piece of
Divinity in us, something that was before the Elements, and owes no
homage unto the Sun.
--Sir Thos. Browne, M.D.
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