Skip to content

Religious fetichism finds its original motive in the…

“Religious fetichism finds its original motive in the delusion that its object, i.e., the idol, is not a mere symbol, but possesses divine attributes, and ascribes to it peculiar wonder-working (relics) or protective (amulets) virtues.” quote by Richard von Krafft-Ebing
Download Open image
““Religious fetichism finds its original motive in the delusion that its object, i.e., the idol, is not a mere symbol, but possesses divine attributes, and ascribes to it peculiar wonder-working (relics) or protective (amulets) virtues.””

Richard von Krafft-Ebing

About This Quote

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

Idols are mistakenly seen as divine, granting them magical powers.

In simple terms: People treat idols as real gods.

Key Takeaway

Question symbolic thinking about objects.

Themes

religion symbolism misconception

Mood

analytical critical

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • ritual practices
  • collective belief
  • personal talismans

Key Concepts

anthropology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we assign power to symbols?
  • What happens when belief fades?
A Different Perspective

Can ignore cultural meaning.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Richard von Krafft-Ebing

Explore all 9 Richard von Krafft-Ebing quotes

More Religion quotes

Browse all 58,737 Religion quotes