"La mer est la même qu'elle a toujours été avant que les hommes ne l'abordent en bateaux"
— Fernando Pessoa
Simplified Meaning:
The quote is saying that the sea has always been the same, long before people ever sailed on it. Imagine a vast and powerful ocean that has existed for millions of years. Whether or not humans were around, the waves, tides, and currents remained unchanged. This can be compared to nature as a whole; it doesn't depend on humans to exist or change. For instance, mountains, rivers, and forests have been there long before human beings started exploring or settling around them. The advice here could be to respect and appreciate nature because it's a constant force that doesn't change based on our presence. By acknowledging this, people can develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and understand that our lives are just a small part of the larger picture.