Because of their lust for authority men are in constant…
““Because of their lust for authority men are in constant turmoil. Those in authority are ever fighting to maintain it. Those out of authority are ever struggling to snatch it from the hands of those who hold it. While Man, the God in swaddling-bands, is trampled under foot and hoof and left on the field of battle unnoticed, unattended and unsolved. So furious is the fight, and so blood crazed the fighters that none, alas, would stop to lift the painted mask off the face of the spurious bride and expose her monstrous ugliness to all. Believe, O monks, that no authority is worth the flutter of an eyelash, except the authority of Holy Understanding which is priceless. For that no sacrifice is great. Attain it once, and you shall hold it to the end of Time. And it shall charge your words with more power than all the armies of the world can ever command; and it shall bless your deeds with more beneficence than all the world authorities combined can ever dream of bringing to the world.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power struggles arise from desire for control; true authority lies in deep understanding, not domination.
In simple terms: Authority is about understanding, not control.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom over power.
Themes
authority
power
spirituality
conflict
humility
Mood
reflective
serious
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true authority mean to you?
- How can you prioritize understanding over control?
A Different Perspective
True authority requires sacrifice and humility, which many resist.