Commandments Quote by Chris Hedges
““The more we listen to the voices of others, voices unlike our own, the more we remain open to the transcendent forces that save us from idolatry. The more we listen to ourselves, the more we create God in our own image until God becomes a tawdry idol that looks and speaks like us. The power of the commandments is found not in the writings of theologians, although I read and admire some, but in the pathos of human life, including lives that are very unlike our own. All states and nations work to pervert religions into civic religions, ones where the goals of the state become the goals of the divine. This is increasingly true in the United States. But once we believe we understand the will of God and can act as agents of God we become dangerous, a menace to others and a menace to ourselves. We forget that we do not understand. We forget to listen.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Empire of Illusion, 2020
Listening to diverse voices prevents dogma; self‑reflection avoids creating false idols, but overconfidence in personal insight can be dangerous.
In simple terms: Diverse listening keeps humility.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility through listening.
Themes
humility
dialogue
religion
politics
Mood
reflective
critical
cautious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- community building
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Phenomenology
critical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑trust with openness?
- What voices are you missing?
A Different Perspective
Self‑belief can become new dogma.
![“the precepts of an absolutely perfect life, since they are the same in each Testament, have pointed out [to us] the same God, who certainly has promulgated particular laws adapted for each; but the more prominent and the greatest [commandments], without which salvation cannot [be attained], He has…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/the-church-fathers-1438_commandments_the-precepts-of-an-absolutely-perfect-li_33593.jpg)
