Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772,) originally Swedberg, was a Swedish scientist, Christian mystic, philosopher, and theologian. After a series of mystical experiences, he blended Christianity with pantheism and theosophy, and the spiritual beliefs he expounded on led to the creation of Swedenborgian societies.
Born the son of a bishop in Stockholm, Swedenborg studied at Uppsala and traveled widely in Europe. He was interested in technology and engineering and returned to Sweden to be an assessor at the Royal Board of Mines (1716–47.) He wrote prolifically on technical and mathematical topics—the differential calculus, astronomy, docks, sluices, and navigation, followed by a lengthy treatise, Opera Philosophica et Mineralia (1734, ‘Philosophical and Logical Works,’) a mixture of metallurgy and metaphysical speculation on the creation of the world, and massive works on anatomy and physiology entitled Oeconomia Regni Animalis (1740–41, ‘The Economy of the Animal Kingdom’) and Regnum Animale (2 vols., 1744–45, ‘The Animal Kingdom.’)
In 1743–44, Swedenborg had a religious crisis, recorded in his Journal of Dreams, which he interpreted as a direct vision of the spiritual world. This led him to resign his scientific post (1747) to expound on his experiences and the mystical doctrines he based on them.
Swedenborg produced some 30 volumes of religious revelations in Latin, the best-known being Arcana Coelestia (8 vols., 1749–56, ‘Heavenly Arcana,’) De Coelo et ejus Mirabilibus et de Inferno (1758, ‘On Heaven and Its Wonders and on Hell’) and Vera Christiana Religio (1771, ‘The Christian Religion.’) His followers organized a society in London known as the Church of the New Jerusalem (1787,) which proliferated many other branches worldwide (Swedenborgianism.)
Swedenborg influenced William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and other writers, including the French Symbolists.
Danish writer Signe Toksvig wrote Emanuel Swedenborg, Scientist, and Mystic (1948.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Emanuel Swedenborg
Charity means love towards the neighbor and compassion, for anyone who loves his neighbor as himself also has as much compassion for him in his suffering as he does for himself in his own.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Charity
Conscience is God’s presence in Man.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Conscience
In the spiritual world no one is permitted to think and will in one way and speak and act in another.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Heaven
Two consorts in heaven are not two, but one angel.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Marriage
Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Kindness
Charity is to will and do what is just and right in every transaction.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Charity
To will and not to do when there is opportunity, is in reality not to will; and to love what is good and not to do it, when it is possible, is in reality not to love it.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Action
What is true is true, and what is false is false…
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Truth
He who is in evil, is also in the punishment of evil.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Evils
Love in its essence is spiritual fire.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Love
It is no proof of a man’s understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases; but to be able to discern that what is true is true, and that what is false is false; this is the mark and character of intelligence.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Intelligence
True charity is the desire to be useful to others without thought of recompense
—Emanuel Swedenborg
Topics: Charity, Helpfulness
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