Believe Quote by Baron d'Holbach
“Suns are extinguished or become corrupted, planets perish and scatter across the wastes of the sky; other suns are kindled, new planets formed to make their revolutions or describe new orbits, and man, an infinitely minute part of a globe which itself is only an imperceptible point in the immense whole, believes that the universe is made for himself.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Treatise on the Nature of Religion, 1755
Humanity over‑estimates its centrality; the cosmos is vast and indifferent, yet we imagine it serves us.
In simple terms: We think the universe exists for us, but it's indifferent.
Recognize our small place in the cosmos.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- space exploration
- philosophical reflection
- education
- artistic inspiration
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does perceiving the universe as indifferent affect our responsibilities?
- What practices cultivate humility?
Our bias can lead to ecological neglect and hubris.