Children Quote by Aldous Huxley
““Nataraja at play among the stars and in the atoms. But also,” he added, “also at play within every living thing, every sentient creature, every child and man and woman. Play for play’s sake. But now the playground is conscious, the dance floor is capable of suffering. To us, this play without purpose seems a kind of insult. What we would really like is a God who never destroys what he has created. Or if there must be pain and death, let them be meted out by a God of righteousness, who will punish the wicked and reward the good with everlasting happiness. But in fact the good get hurt, the innocent suffer. Then let there be a God who sympathizes and brings comfort. But Nataraja only dances. His play is a play impartially of death and of life, of all evils as well as of all goods.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Perennial Philosophy", 1945
Play is universal, but conscious play can cause suffering; a compassionate deity is desired.
In simple terms: Play exists everywhere, yet conscious beings suffer; we wish for a caring god.
Key Takeaway
Seek compassion in a world of indifferent play.
Themes
philosophy
theology
existentialism
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- human relationships
- ethical decision making
- spiritual reflection
Key Concepts
suffering
divine justice
playfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does play have in human suffering?
- Can compassion replace divine justice?
A Different Perspective
The notion of a just deity may conflict with observed suffering.
