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 maintain unity at all costs.””
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.
Seek harmony through understanding, not force.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political movements
- religious reforms
- personal moral dilemmas
- social activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is force justified, if ever?
- How can unity be achieved without suppressing dissent?
Violence may seem necessary in extreme oppression.