“At this high moment, ability failed my capacity to describe.”
- c. 1265 – September 14, 1321
- Italian
- Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Author of The Divine Comedy
table of contents
Quote
“At this high moment, ability failed my capacity to describe.”
Explanation
This quote is a valid paraphrase of a line from Dante Alighieri’s Paradiso, the final canticle of The Divine Comedy. In the original Italian, he writes: “A l’alta fantasia qui mancò possa” (Paradiso, Canto XXXIII, line 142), which is often translated as “Here my exalted vision failed of power” or “At this high moment, my imagination lacked the strength.” The idea remains faithful: Dante admits that his poetic ability cannot capture the divine vision he experiences at the end of his celestial journey.
The significance of this moment lies in Dante’s acknowledgment of the limits of human expression. Having ascended through the spheres of Heaven and approached the ultimate vision of God, he reaches a point where language, reason, and even imagination fall short. This is a deeply theological and philosophical moment, showing that some truths lie beyond articulation, accessible only through faith, grace, or mystical insight. It reflects the medieval belief in the ineffability of the divine—that God’s essence surpasses human understanding.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with anyone who has faced the inadequacy of words in moments of overwhelming emotion or spiritual awe. Whether describing the birth of a child, witnessing a sublime landscape, or encountering profound grief or love, there are moments when language falters. Dante’s humility reminds us that not everything must be named to be real, and that some of the most powerful experiences lie beyond the reach of words.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
