We are all born idolaters, and idolatry is good, because…
“We are all born idolaters, and idolatry is good, because it is in the nature of man. Who can get beyond it? Only the perfect man, the God-man. The rest are all idolaters. So long as we see this universe before us, with its forms and shapes, we are all idolaters. This is a gigantic symbol we are worshipping. He who says he is the body is a born idolater.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human beings naturally attach reverence to external forms, creating idols that distract from ultimate truth; only a spiritually perfected individual can transcend this tendency.
In simple terms: People tend to worship objects or ideas; only the enlightened can rise above it.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper understanding beyond superficial worship.
Themes
spirituality
human nature
transcendence
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- religious study
- ethical decision making
- art criticism
Key Concepts
idol worship
enlightenment
ego
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you consider your greatest idol?
- How can you recognize and move beyond it?
A Different Perspective
Even the enlightened may still be swayed by subtle attachments.