His lover appeared to have boarded the train at Auguste Comte and passed by the station of theology, where the password was 'Yes, Mother.' This train was now traversing the realm of metaphysics, where the password was 'Certainly not, Mother.' In the distance, visible through a telescope, was the mountain of reality on which was inscribed its password, 'Open your eyes and be courageous.
by Naguib Mahfouz
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The passage describes a metaphorical journey taken by the lover on a train that moves through different intellectual realms. Starting at Auguste Comte, representing a scientific approach to understanding the world, the train stops at theology, where acceptance is symbolized with the phrase 'Yes, Mother,' indicating a submission to established beliefs. From there, the journey continues into metaphysics, suggesting a more complex and uncertain understanding of existence, signified by the phrase 'Certainly not, Mother.'

As the train travels further, it approaches the 'mountain of reality,' which symbolizes a deeper truth awaiting discovery, accompanied by the call to 'Open your eyes and be courageous.' This journey illustrates the evolution of thought from blind acceptance to a courageous exploration of reality and deeper understanding. The use of metaphors related to travel and passwords highlights the transitions in thoughts and philosophies, reflecting the complexity of human understanding and belief.

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January 24, 2025

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