The human being here-below, in the night of his condition, is just as mysterious as the saints in the light of their glory; there are in him inexpressible treasures, constellations without end of suffering and beauty which must be recognized and which normally escape our poor, futile notice altogether. Love can bring a remedy to all this. What is in play is a conquering of this futility and a serious undertaking of knowing and re-knowing this uncountable universe that our neighbour bears within himself. That’s the business of contemplative love and the kindness of its look.
Jacques Maritain (1882–1973)