Addict Quote by Charles Eisenstein
“Even if we profess to be non-judgmental, there's an inherent judgmentality and hierarchy in which the spiritual person, the conscious person, the mindful person, is more developed than the typical truck driver or waitress or heroin addict. This is a red flag, another problem built into the concept of spirituality. The truth is that every person you meet is in some way more developed than you are, and that the multiple modes of development that a human being can pursue require the whole of humanity to pursue. We're in this together. Enlightenment is a collective effort.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ascent of Humanity, Charles Eisenstein, 2017
Spirituality often creates hidden hierarchies, implying some people are more evolved than others, which can be divisive.
In simple terms: Spiritual hierarchies can be harmful.
Recognize equal worth in all people.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- community building
- personal growth
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor diverse paths without ranking them?
- What practices foster collective awakening?
Spiritual claims may overlook systemic oppression.