Miracles are not contrary to nature, they just defy our current understanding. It’s a powerful idea that what we call impossible might simply be tomorrow’s science. This perspective completely reframes how we perceive the limits of reality.
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Meaning
At its heart, this quote suggests that miracles aren’t violations of natural law. They’re just events that operate on principles we haven’t discovered or understood yet.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve worked with this concept for years, and here’s the thing: our knowledge of the universe is a tiny island in a vast ocean of the unknown. We tend to build a fence around that island and call everything outside of it “supernatural” or a “miracle.” But what Coelho is really saying is that the ocean has its own rules, its own nature. A “miracle” is just a wave from that ocean crashing onto our shore—unexpected, maybe, but not unnatural. It’s a profound argument for intellectual humility and wonder. It forces you to ask, is this *truly* impossible, or does it just feel impossible *to me, right now*?
Quote Summary
Reading Level70
Aesthetic Score91
Origin & Factcheck
This line comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 1990 novel, Brida. It’s often, and quite understandably, misattributed to Saint Augustine, who expressed a very similar sentiment centuries earlier. So while the core idea is ancient, this specific phrasing is Coelho’s, born from his work exploring spirituality and magic in a modern context.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Miracles are not contrary to nature, only contrary to what we know about nature |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1990 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-157317-0; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2008; 264 pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 242, Chapter: The Mystery of Miracles |
Context
In the novel, this idea is presented to the protagonist, Brida, as she begins her journey into witchcraft. It’s a foundational lesson from one of her teachers, meant to expand her perception of reality. The quote isn’t just philosophical fluff; it’s a practical tool to help her see the magic inherent in the world, hidden just beyond the veil of her ordinary awareness.
Usage Examples
You can use this quote in so many powerful ways. I’ve seen it work wonders.
- For Innovators & Scientists: Use it to challenge a team stuck in a paradigm. “Guys, this problem isn’t a wall; it’s a door. It’s not contrary to nature, just contrary to our current data sheets.” It reframes impossibility as an invitation to explore.
- In Personal Coaching & Therapy: For someone who believes they can’t change. “Your healing, your transformation—it might feel like a miracle, but it’s your nature trying to express itself fully. We just have to learn its language.”
- Everyday Wonder: Honestly, just use it the next time you see something breathtaking, like the Northern Lights. Instead of just saying “wow,” you can lean over and say, “You know, that’s not magic. It’s just nature showing off a part of itself we rarely get to see.” Changes the whole experience.
To whom it appeals?
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FAQ
Question: Does this quote mean that anything is possible?
Answer: Not exactly. It means the realm of the possible is likely far, far larger than our current understanding allows for. It’s an argument for an open mind, not for a lawless universe.
Question: How is this different from just believing in magic?
Answer: That’s a great question. It’s a subtle but crucial distinction. Believing in magic often implies a suspension of natural laws. This quote insists the laws are always in effect; we’re just ignorant of their full scope. It’s the difference between a “cheat code” and discovering a new level in the game.
Question: Is this a religious statement?
Answer: It can be interpreted that way, but it doesn’t have to be. A religious person might see it as evidence of a divine order beyond human comprehension. A secular scientist might see it as a humble acknowledgment of the vast unknowns still waiting to be discovered by physics and biology. The quote’s power is its flexibility.
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