Skip to content

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. They are few, indeed, who wish to penetrate into higher spheres, higher or lower, in ways allowed or forbidden. Men, in the mass, are amply…” quote by Arthur Machen
Download Open image
““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. They are few, indeed, who wish to penetrate into higher 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, and men of genius, who partake sometimes of each character, are rare also. Yes, on the whole , it is, perhaps, harder to be a great sinner than a great saint.””

Arthur Machen

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, daring attempt to breach forbidden realms, making true sin rarer than sainthood.

In simple terms: Sin is a daring, forbidden reach beyond normal limits.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the rarity and risk of transgression.

Themes

morality transgression human nature

Mood

reflective serious thoughtful

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • ethical debates
  • personal growth
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

philosophical existential theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives people to cross forbidden boundaries?
  • Can sin ever be justified?
A Different Perspective

The view may oversimplify complex moral behavior and ignore social factors.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Arthur Machen

Explore all 55 Arthur Machen quotes

More Great Sinner quotes

Browse all 11 Great Sinner quotes