To man has been given the grief, often, of seeing his gods…
““To man has been given the grief, often, of seeing his gods overthrown and his altars crumbling; but to the wolf and the wild dog that have come in to crouch at man's feet, this grief has never come. Unlike man, whose gods are of the unseen and overguessed, vapors and mists of fancy eluding the garmenture of reality, wandering wraiths of desired goodness and power, intangible outcroppings of self into the realm of spirit - unlike man, the wolf and the wild dog that have come into their fire find the gods in the living flesh, solid to the touch, occupying earth-space and requiring time for the accomplishment of their ends and their existence. No effort of faith is necessary to believe in such a god; no effort of will can possibly induce disbelief in such a god. There is no getting away from it. There it stands, on its two hindlegs, club in hand, immensely potential, passionate and wrathful and loving, god and mystery and power all wrapped up and around by flesh that bleeds when it is torn and that is good to eat like any flesh.””
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 contrasts human abstract deities with tangible, flesh‑bound gods worshiped by wolves, emphasizing physical reality over imagined faith.
In simple terms: Wolves worship concrete, physical gods unlike humans.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of tangible experiences over abstract beliefs.
Themes
mythology
nature
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
poetic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- wildlife observation
- philosophical debate
- creative writing
Key Concepts
materialism
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer tangible or abstract concepts of divinity?
- How does this view affect your relationship with nature?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation may vary across cultures.