Clear Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“I imagine it great vanity in me to suppose that the Supremely Perfect does in the least regard such an inconsiderable nothing as man. More especially, since it is impossible for me to have any positive, clear idea of that which is infinite and incomprehensible, I cannot conceive otherwise than that He, the Infinite Father, expects or requires no worship or praise from us, but that He is even infinitely above it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1755, to a friend discussing theology and the nature of divinity
He questions humanity’s capacity to comprehend the infinite, suggesting that a perfect being would not require worship
In simple terms: Humans cannot truly grasp the infinite; divine may not need worship
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of human understanding about the divine
Themes
humility
theology
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
contemplative
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual contemplation
- theological debate
Key Concepts
infinity
divine transcendence
human limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to accept uncertainty about the divine?
- How can humility shape our view of higher powers?
A Different Perspective
Human concepts may misrepresent the divine nature
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)