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Now pay attention to this. God is nameless for no one can…

“Now pay attention to this. God is nameless for no one can either speak of him or know him. Therefore a pagan master says that what we can know or say of the First Cause reflects ourselves more than it does the First Cause, for this transcends all speech and all understanding . . . He is being…” quote by Meister Eckhart
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““Now pay attention to this. God is nameless for no one can either speak of him or know him. Therefore a pagan master says that what we can know or say of the First Cause reflects ourselves more than it does the First Cause, for this transcends all speech and all understanding . . . He is being beyond being: he is a nothingness beyond being. Therefore St. Augustine says: ‘The finest thing that we can say of God is to be silent concerning him from the wisdom of inner riches.’ Be silent therefore, and do not chatter about God, for by chattering about him, you tell lies and commit a sin. If you wish to be perfect and without sin, then do not prattle about God. Also you should not wish to understand anything about God, for God is beyond all understanding. A master says: If I had a God that I could understand, I would not regard him as God. If you understand anything about him, then he is not in it, and by understanding something of him, you fall into ignorance, and by falling into ignorance, you become like an animal since the animal part in creatures is that which is unknowing. If you do not wish to become like an animal therefore, do not pretend that you understand anything of the ineffable God.””

Meister Eckhart

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

God transcends language and understanding; silence preserves reverence and avoids falsehood.

In simple terms: God is beyond words; stay silent.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner silence to respect the divine mystery.

Themes

mysticism silence humility

Mood

contemplative reverent

Type

spiritual philosophical

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • prayer
  • quiet contemplation
  • avoid superficial explanations

Key Concepts

Theology philosophy of language

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor the unknowable?
  • When is speaking about faith appropriate?
A Different Perspective

Silence can hinder communication; balance with compassionate action.

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