Skip to content

Anarch Quote by Ernst Jünger

“Regarding the need to pray, the anarch is again no different from anyone else. But he does not like to attach himself. He does not squander his best energies. He accepts no substitute for his gold. He knows his freedom, and also what it is worth its weight in. The equation balances when he is…” quote by Ernst Jünger
Download Open image
““Regarding the need to pray, the anarch is again no different from anyone else. But he does not like to attach himself. He does not squander his best energies. He accepts no substitute for his gold. He knows his freedom, and also what it is worth its weight in. The equation balances when he is offered something credible. The result is ONE. There can be no doubt that gods have appeared, not only in ancient times but even late in history; they feasted with us and fought at our sides. But what good is the splendor of bygone banquets to a starving man? What good is the clinking of gold that a poor man hears through the wall of time? The gods must be called. The anarch lets all this be; he can bide his time. He has his ethos, but not morals. He recognizes lawfulness, but not the law; he despises rules. Whenever ethos goes into shalts and shalt-nots, it is already corrupted. Still, it can harmonize with them, depending on location and circumstances, briefly or at length, just as I harmonize here with the tyrant for as long as I like. One error of the anarchists is their belief that human nature is intrinsically good. They thereby castrate society, just as the theologians ("God is goodness") castrate the Good Lord.””

Ernst Jünger

About This Quote

Source Book: “The Forest Passage” by Ernst Jünger, 1971

The anarchist values personal freedom over imposed morals, sees gods as historical forces, and critiques naive belief in inherent human goodness.

In simple terms: Anarchist seeks freedom, doubts moral absolutes, and questions divine relevance.

Key Takeaway

Question authority, balance freedom with responsibility.

Themes

freedom authority morality divinity human nature

Mood

skeptical reflective critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • personal decision making
  • spiritual reflection
  • social critique

Key Concepts

anarchism philosophy theology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal liberty with societal duties?
  • Can divine concepts still guide modern life?
A Different Perspective

Anarchist may ignore collective well‑being, leading to isolation.

4.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Ernst Jünger

Explore all 89 Ernst Jünger quotes

More Anarch quotes

Browse all 31 Anarch quotes