Building Quote by Eric Voegelin
“Philosophy springs from the love of being; it is man's loving endeavor to perceive the order of being and attune himself to it. Gnosis desires dominion over being; in order to seize control of being the Gnostic constructs his system. The building of systems is a gnostic form of reasoning, not a philosophical one.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Science of Politics, Eric Voegelin, 1952
Philosophy seeks to align with the fundamental order of existence, while Gnosticism builds controlling systems that dominate that order.
In simple terms: Philosophy aligns with being; Gnosticism builds controlling systems.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the difference between seeking harmony and imposing control.
Themes
philosophy
gnosticism
order
control
reasoning
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal reflection
- spiritual practice
- political analysis
Key Concepts
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Systems Theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance understanding order with the desire to shape it?
- When does system building hinder true insight?
A Different Perspective
Gnosticism can become rigid, ignoring lived experience.
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![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
