Heretic Quote by Annie Besant
““The prophet—coming forth from time to time with the divine word hot as fire on his lips—speaks out the ancient truth and illuminates tradition. But they who cling to the words of tradition are apt to be blinded by the light of the fire and to call out “heretic” against the one who speaks the truth that they have lost.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Theosophical Society Lecture, 1910
True insight can be rejected by those clinging to tradition, who label innovators as heretics.
In simple terms: Tradition can blind people to new truths.
Stay open to fresh ideas despite tradition.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- religious reform
- scientific breakthroughs
- cultural shifts
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people fear change?
- How can tradition coexist with progress?
It may oversimplify complex doctrinal debates.