Oftentimes have I heard you speak of one who commits a…
““Oftentimes have I heard you speak of one who commits a wrong as though he were not one of you, but a stranger unto you and an intruder upon your world. But I say that even as the holy and the righteous cannot rise beyond the highest which is in each one of you, So the wicked and the weak cannot fall lower than the lowest which is in you also. And as a single leaf turns not yellow but with the silent knowledge of the whole tree, So the wrong-doer cannot do wrong without the hidden will of you all. Like a procession you walk together towards your god-self. You are the way and the wayfarers. And when one of you falls down he falls for those behind him, a caution against the stumbling stone. ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human actions reflect collective will; good and evil arise from shared inner nature, linking each individual's deeds to the whole.
In simple terms: Our deeds mirror the group's hidden will.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared responsibility in actions.
Themes
morality
collective consciousness
interconnectedness
Mood
thoughtful
spiritual
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- community building
- conflict resolution
- ethical leadership
- personal growth
Key Concepts
shared will
personal responsibility
spiritual unity
Questions to Reflect On
- What is your role in the collective moral fabric?
- How can one resist harmful group influence?
A Different Perspective
Individual intent can be overridden by group pressure.