Deep in ourselves resides the religious impulse. Out of…
““Deep in ourselves resides the religious impulse. Out of the passions of our clay it rises. We have religion when we stop deluding ourselves that we are self-sufficient, self-sustaining or self-derived. We have religion when we hold some hope beyond the present, some self-respect beyond our failures. We have religion when our hearts are capable of leaping up at beauty, when our nerves are edged by some dream in our heart. We have religion when we have an abiding gratitude for all that we have received. We have religion when we look upon people with all their failings and still find in them good; when we look beyond people to the grandeur in nature and to the purpose in our own heart. We have religion when we have done all that we can, and then in confidence entrust ourselves to the life that is larger than ourselves.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Religion emerges from humility, hope, gratitude, beauty, and compassion, urging us beyond self‑sufficiency toward larger purpose.
In simple terms: Religion is humility, hope, gratitude, and compassion.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and gratitude.
Themes
humility
hope
gratitude
beauty
compassion
purpose
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- community service
- creative expression
Key Concepts
spiritual philosophy
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humility shape your purpose?
- What beauty inspires you?
A Different Perspective
May conflict with secular viewpoints.