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It is not for man to seek, or even to believe in, God. He…

“It is not for man to seek, or even to believe in, God. He only has to refuse his ultimate love to everything that is not God. This refusal does not presuppose any belief. It is enough to recognize what is obvious to any mind: that all the goods of this world, past, present, and future, real or…” quote by Simone Weil
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“It is not for man to seek, or even to believe in, God. He only has to refuse his ultimate love to everything that is not God. This refusal does not presuppose any belief. It is enough to recognize what is obvious to any mind: that all the goods of this world, past, present, and future, real or imaginary, are finite and limited and radically incapable of satisfying the desire that perpetually burns within us for an infinite and perfect good.”

Simone Weil

About This Quote

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

One must reject all finite attachments and desires, recognizing that only the infinite divine can satisfy the human longing for perfection.

In simple terms: Reject worldly desires; seek the infinite.

Key Takeaway

Turn away from finite pleasures toward spiritual fulfillment.

Themes

spirituality desire infinity rejection human longing

Mood

contemplative inspirational

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • prayer
  • minimalist living
  • artistic creation
  • social activism

Key Concepts

mysticism philosophy of religion ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize finite limits?
  • What practices help you focus on the infinite?
A Different Perspective

Complete renunciation is unrealistic for most; balance is needed.

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