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One altar forever is preserved, that whereon we burn…

“One altar forever is preserved, that whereon we burn incense to the supreme idol,--ourselves, our god is great, and money is his Prophet! We devastate nature in order to make sacrifice to him; we boast that we have conquered Matter and forget that it is matter that has forever enslaved us.” quote by Okakura Kakuzo
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““One altar forever is preserved, that whereon we burn incense to the supreme idol,--ourselves, our god is great, and money is his Prophet! We devastate nature in order to make sacrifice to him; we boast that we have conquered Matter and forget that it is matter that has forever enslaved us.””

Okakura Kakuzo

About This Quote

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

Human self-worship turns money into a deity, leading to environmental destruction and loss of humility.

In simple terms: Worship of money harms nature and self.

Key Takeaway

Beware idolizing wealth.

Themes

materialism environment ego spirituality

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • business
  • consumerism
  • environmental policy
  • personal finance

Key Concepts

idolatry environmental ethics philosophy human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does money influence your values?
  • Can we balance prosperity with stewardship?
A Different Perspective

The view may overlook positive economic development.

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