I agree, our language(s) are full of out-dated ideas influencing our present mindset. But specifically with the concept of higher, lofty, elevated aspirations I don't see anything wrong with. What comes to mind is looking up into the sky, wishing you could fly (as a kid, all the time). The second thing that comes close to it is climbing a mountain, offering views that foster greater understandings just by giving perspective. And then there are other ways to get high, often with similar results. Of course, you still need to carry your light to those higher places to actually perceive yourself, what there is to behold. So in a way, both high and deep are the same thing in the end. (No wonder they used the same word for it in Latin!)