Because of the vulgar advent, I decided to give way and, by dark and cryptic sentences, tell of the causes of the future mutation of mankind; especially the most urgent ones, and the ones I perceived, and in a manner that would not upset their fragile sentiments.

The quote "Because of the vulgar advent, I decided to give way and, by dark and cryptic sentences, tell of the causes of the future mutation of mankind; especially the most urgent ones, and the ones I perceived, and in a manner that would not upset their fragile sentiments." by Nostradamus reflects his method of communicating profound and often unsettling predictions. Nostradamus, a 16th-century astrologer and seer, is known for his cryptic and obscure prophecies. In this quote, he explains that, due to the vulgar advent (likely referring to the widespread, often superficial approach to knowledge and prophecy of his time), he chose to express his predictions about the future mutation of mankind in a mysterious, indirect way that would prevent shocking or disturbing his audience.

The origin of this quote stems from Nostradamus’s approach to writing his famous quatrains. Throughout his career, he faced the challenge of sharing potentially alarming visions about the future—including natural disasters, wars, and societal changes—without causing panic. His use of dark and cryptic sentences was a way to frame his messages in a way that allowed for interpretation and reflection rather than direct confrontation. By being vague and symbolic, he believed his predictions would be less likely to upset the delicate sensibilities of his audience while still conveying urgent truths.

In this context, Nostradamus’s statement emphasizes his strategy of writing in a manner that allowed for future generations to interpret his prophecies without immediate alarm. He recognized the sensitive nature of his predictions, especially concerning the mutation of mankind—a term that could refer to significant societal or human changes. By using cryptic language, he ensured that his visions were open to interpretation, making them less confrontational and more palatable to those who would read them.

Ultimately, this quote showcases Nostradamus’s belief in the need for caution and subtlety when predicting future events. His reliance on cryptic language and indirect messages reflects his desire to communicate profound truths about mankind's future while avoiding panic or misunderstanding. It illustrates the tension between the urgency of his predictions and the responsibility he felt to present them in a way that respected the sensitivities of his audience.