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People ... have tried to evoke God or devil to justify…

“People ... have tried to evoke God or devil to justify them in what their glands insisted upon.” quote by William Faulkner
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“People ... have tried to evoke God or devil to justify them in what their glands insisted upon.”

William Faulkner

About This Quote

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

People often invoke divine or demonic forces to justify actions dictated by primal urges, reflecting a tendency to externalize moral responsibility.

In simple terms: We blame God or devil for our base impulses.

Key Takeaway

Recognize personal responsibility.

Themes

morality psychology religion

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • ethical debates
  • personal accountability
  • literary analysis
  • spiritual discussions

Key Concepts

externalization justification human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we seek supernatural justification?
  • How does this affect personal growth?
A Different Perspective

Attributing actions to supernatural forces can hinder self‑reflection.

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