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For there was need once more of a Divine Revelation to the…

“For there was need once more of a Divine Revelation to the torpid frivolous children of men, if they were not to sink altogether into the ape condition. And in that whirlwind of the Universe,—lights obliterated, and the torn wrecks of Earth and Hell hurled aloft into the Empyrean; black whirlwind…” quote by Thomas Carlyle
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““For there was need once more of a Divine Revelation to the torpid frivolous children of men, if they were not to sink altogether into the ape condition. And in that whirlwind of the Universe,—lights obliterated, and the torn wrecks of Earth and Hell hurled aloft into the Empyrean; black whirlwind, which made even apes serious, and drove most of them mad,—there was, to men, a voice audible; voice from the heart of things once more, as if to say: "Lying is not permitted in this Universe. The wages of lying, you behold, are death. Lying means damnation in this Universe; and Beelzebub, never so elaborately decked in crowns and mitres, is NOT God!" This was a revelation truly to be named of the Eternal, in our poor Eighteenth Century; and has greatly altered the complexion of said Century to the Historian ever since.””

Thomas Carlyle

About This Quote

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

A prophetic call condemns deceit, warning that falsehood leads to ruin and moral decay, urging truth as a divine imperative.

In simple terms: Lying brings death and damnation; truth is sacred.

Key Takeaway

Embrace honesty to avoid spiritual and societal collapse.

Themes

morality truth spirituality societal decay

Mood

serious reflective warning

Type

philosophical literary historical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • personal integrity
  • public speaking
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy existential warning theological critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What consequences have you observed from dishonesty?
  • How can societies enforce truth without oppression?
A Different Perspective

The stark language may alienate readers who view it as hyperbolic or outdated.

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