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Abraham Quote by Erich Heller

“In Kafka we have the modern mind, seemingly self-sufficient, intelligent, skeptical, ironical, splendidly trained for the great game of pretending that the world it comprehends in sterilized sobriety is the only and ultimate real one – yet a mind living in sin with the soul of Abraham. Thus he…” quote by Erich Heller
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“In Kafka we have the modern mind, seemingly self-sufficient, intelligent, skeptical, ironical, splendidly trained for the great game of pretending that the world it comprehends in sterilized sobriety is the only and ultimate real one – yet a mind living in sin with the soul of Abraham. Thus he knows Two things at once, and both with equal assurance: that there is no God, and that there must be God.”

Erich Heller

About This Quote

Source Book: The Tragic Vision of the Modern Mind, Erich Heller, 1975

The modern intellect feels self‑sufficient yet paradoxically senses both the absence and necessity of the divine.

In simple terms: Modern mind sees both God and no God.

Key Takeaway

Embrace paradox to deepen understanding.

Themes

philosophy existentialism faith reason

Mood

reflective conflicted

Type

philosophical existential

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • personal crisis
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

dualism skepticism spiritual tension

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile rational doubt with spiritual longing?
  • What does “living in sin with the soul of Abraham” imply?
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