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Good Lord, just think what poor old God must go through…

“Good Lord, just think what poor old God must go through also,” he said with a laugh. “He certainly got himself in hot water when he created the world. The fish screams, Don’t blind me, Lord; don’t let me enter the nets! The fisherman screams, Blind the fish, Lord; make him enter the nets! Which…” quote by Nikos Kazantzakis
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““Good Lord, just think what poor old God must go through also,” he said with a laugh. “He certainly got himself in hot water when he created the world. The fish screams, Don’t blind me, Lord; don’t let me enter the nets! The fisherman screams, Blind the fish, Lord; make him enter the nets! Which one is God supposed to listen to? Sometimes he listens to the fish, sometimes to the fisherman—and that’s the way the world goes round!””

Nikos Kazantzakis

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 humorously portrays God’s dilemma between the cries of the fish and the fisherman, illustrating the absurdity of divine decision‑making and the chaotic nature of the world.

In simple terms: God is torn between conflicting pleas, reflecting life’s chaotic choices.

Key Takeaway

Accept that conflicting demands are inevitable and seek balance.

Themes

philosophy religion humor existentialism conflict

Mood

thoughtful ironic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal dilemmas
  • ethical decisions
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

divine paradox human suffering absurdity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this say about human agency?
  • How do we reconcile competing moral voices?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex theological concepts.

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