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Authority Quote by Antonin Sertillanges

“To upset the order of nature, and even more the order of God, who, for us, is more natural than nature itself, is to destroy the harmony of forces; and violence, unbending against the rebellion of things, against the more terrible rebellion of souls, is the only refuge of him who wishes to…” quote by Antonin Sertillanges
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““To upset the order of nature, and even more the order of God, who, for us, is more natural than nature itself, is to destroy the harmony of forces; and violence, unbending against the rebellion of things, against the more terrible rebellion of souls, is the only refuge of him who wishes to maintain unity at all costs.””

Antonin Sertillanges

About This Quote

Source Book: The Philosophy of Religion, 1914

Disrupting natural and divine order creates conflict; violent resistance is a flawed attempt to preserve unity at any cost.

In simple terms: Violence harms harmony and misleads those seeking unity.

Key Takeaway

Seek harmony through understanding, not force.

Themes

philosophy ethics spirituality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • political movements
  • religious reforms
  • personal moral dilemmas
  • social activism

Key Concepts

order violence unity rebellion

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is force justified, if ever?
  • How can unity be achieved without suppressing dissent?
A Different Perspective

Violence may seem necessary in extreme oppression.

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