Janus Quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
““Let us see rather that like Janus—or better, like Yama, the Brahmin god of death—religion has two faces, one very friendly, one very gloomy...””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Two Faces of Religion, 1844
Religion presents dual aspects: comforting and threatening, reflecting human hopes and fears.
In simple terms: Religion has both gentle and harsh sides.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance both aspects.
Themes
faith
dualism
psychology
culture
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- social policy
- interfaith dialogue
- ritual practice
Key Concepts
binary nature
human need
existential anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile the comforting and fearful sides of faith?
- Can acknowledging both reduce religious conflict?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on one side can lead to extremism or disillusionment.
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