Each religion claims the future for its followers; or, at…
““Each religion claims the future for its followers; or, at least, the good thereof. The evil is for those benighted ones who will have none of it; seeing the light the true believers worship, as the fishes see the stars, but dimly. The religions come and the religions pass, and the civilisations come and pass, and naught endures but the world and human nature. Ah! if man would but see that hope is from within and not from without—that he himself must work out his own salvation! He is there, and within him is the breath of life and a knowledge of good and evil as good and evil is to him. Thereon let him build and stand erect, and not cast himself before the image of some unknown God, modelled like his poor self, but with a bigger brain to think the evil thing, and a longer arm to do it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that religions and civilizations are transient, urging individuals to seek hope and salvation from within rather than external deities.
In simple terms: Hope and salvation come from within, not from religions or gods.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner wisdom and personal responsibility.
Themes
spirituality
human nature
impermanence
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- philosophical reflection
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
existentialism
self-reliance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance inner and external sources of meaning?
- What role should community play in personal salvation?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on inner guidance may ignore communal support.