It appears to me that it [sin] is simply an attempt to…
![“It appears to me that it [sin] is simply an attempt to penetrate into another and higher sphere in a forbidden manner. You can understand why it is so rare. There are few, indeed, who wish to penetrate into other spheres, higher or lower, in ways allowed or forbidden. Men, in the mass, are amply…” quote by Arthur Machen](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/a7c/arthur-machen-11940_fewer_it-appears-to-me-that-it-sin-is-simply-a_1440994.jpg)
“It appears to me that it [sin] is simply an attempt to penetrate into another and higher sphere in a forbidden manner. You can understand why it is so rare. There are few, indeed, who wish to penetrate into other spheres, higher or lower, in ways allowed or forbidden. Men, in the mass, are amply content with life as they find it. Therefore there are few saints, and sinners (in the proper sense) are fewer still.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Sin is portrayed as a rare, forbidden attempt to access higher realms, contrasting with most people's contentment with ordinary life.
In simple terms: Sin is a rare, forbidden reach for higher realms.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of seeking forbidden knowledge.
Themes
spirituality
morality
human nature
transcendence
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal ambition
- spiritual quests
- ethical dilemmas
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
forbidden desire
hierarchy of being
existential rarity
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives a person to seek forbidden knowledge?
- Is contentment always preferable to aspiration?
A Different Perspective
Not all pursuits of higher understanding are sinful; context matters.