"Every thing possible to be believed is an image of the truth"

The idea behind the quote is that anything we can imagine and believe is a reflection of some deeper truth. It’s like saying our beliefs and imaginations are windows into the reality of the world, even if they don’t seem entirely accurate or feasible at first glance.

Think back to when this might have come up. It was William Blake, the poet and artist, who said this. He was a visionary, someone who saw the world not just as it is, but as it could be. Blake lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time of great upheaval and change—the American and French Revolutions, for example. People were questioning old ideas and thinking in new ways. Blake’s work often blended the real with the fantastical, suggesting that our imaginations could reveal deeper truths about the human condition and the world around us.

To put this into a practical example, let’s look at the world of technology. Think about the smartphone in your hand. Not too long ago, the idea of a device that could fit in your pocket, connect you to anyone in the world, take pictures, and give you access to the entirety of human knowledge would have seemed like pure science fiction. But there were visionaries—people who believed in this possibility. Their belief and imagination drove them to create something that is now a fundamental part of our daily lives. This belief in possibility wasn’t just wild dreaming; it was an image of the future truth.

So, how can you use this in your own life? It’s all about not dismissing your ideas and beliefs as mere fantasies. If you believe in something, there’s a kernel of truth in it, something that can be nurtured and developed. Let’s say you have a passion for environmental conservation. You might believe that even small actions can lead to big changes. This belief can drive you to start a local initiative, perhaps a community garden or a recycling program. Your belief in the importance of these actions is an image of a larger truth: collective efforts can lead to significant environmental improvements.

Imagine you’re sitting at a coffee shop with a friend, discussing your dreams. Your friend tells you they want to write a novel but feels it’s an impossible task. You remind them of Blake’s idea. Every plot, every character they imagine, every twist in the story they believe in, is an image of a deeper truth they want to convey to the world. This realization can transform their doubt into determination. They start writing, day by day, believing that their story is worth telling and that it holds a truth worth sharing.

In essence, don't just brush off your dreams and beliefs. They’re not just whims—they’re reflections of truths waiting to be discovered. Embrace them, explore them, and let them guide you. You might be surprised at the truths you uncover and the realities you can create. And that’s pretty powerful stuff when you think about it.