Idealism Quote by David R. Loy
““Our problem today is that we no longer believe in things but in symbols, hence our life has passed over into these symbols and their manipulation— only to find ourselves manipulated by the symbols we take so seriously, objectified in our objectifications.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Awakening: A Buddhist Social Theory of Capitalism by David R. Loy, 2005
Modern society replaces genuine belief with symbol worship, leading to manipulation through those symbols.
In simple terms: We value symbols over real beliefs, becoming manipulated.
Key Takeaway
Question the depth of your convictions beyond symbols.
Themes
philosophy
culture
materialism
symbolism
manipulation
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social critique
- media literacy
Key Concepts
consumerism
identity
media influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What symbols dominate your life?
- How can you reclaim authentic meaning?
A Different Perspective
Symbols can also empower if consciously used.
