I find by my calculations, which are according to revealed inspiration, that the sword of death is now approaching us, in the shape of pestilence, war more horrible than has been known in three lifetimes, and famine.

The quote, "I find by my calculations, which are according to revealed inspiration, that the sword of death is now approaching us, in the shape of pestilence, war more horrible than has been known in three lifetimes, and famine," is attributed to Nostradamus, the famous 16th-century French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer. In this statement, Nostradamus is predicting a time of great calamity and suffering, with pestilence, war, and famine being the key harbingers of death and destruction. His reference to "the sword of death" suggests an imminent threat that looms over humanity, linked to these catastrophic events.

Nostradamus was known for his cryptic and often vague prophecies, which many believe foretold major events throughout history. The idea of "pestilence" could refer to widespread disease or pandemics, "war" to violent conflicts, and "famine" to food scarcity and starvation. These events are often portrayed as signs of apocalypse or the collapse of civilizations, aligning with Nostradamus' reputation for predicting dire future occurrences. His statement also alludes to the idea that these events are inevitable and part of a larger cosmic or divine plan that was revealed to him through inspiration.

The origin of this quote is tied to Nostradamus' famous work, Les Prophéties, which consists of a series of quatrains that are thought to predict the future. These prophecies, often regarded as mysterious and open to interpretation, have attracted interest and analysis for centuries. Nostradamus’ predictions were often linked to global disasters, and many believed his visions were a warning for humanity to prepare for great upheaval.

Ultimately, Nostradamus' quote speaks to a sense of foreboding and inevitability. It reflects the fear of catastrophic events that could threaten the survival of humanity, a theme that is prevalent in many of his writings. Whether one believes in the accuracy of his predictions or not, the quote remains a powerful reflection of the anxieties and concerns people have had throughout history about the forces of death and destruction.