Ambition Quote by George Santayana
“Christianity persecuted, tortured, and burned. Like a hound it tracked the very scent of heresy. It kindled wars, and nursed furious hatreds and ambitions. It sanctified, quite like Mohammedism, extermination and tyranny. All this would have been impossible if, like Buddhism, it had looked only for peace and the liberation of souls. It looked beyond; it dreamt of infinite blisses and crowns it should be crowned with before an electrified universe and an applauding God... Buddhism had tried to quiet a sick world with anesthetics; Christianity sought to purge it with fire.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Life of Reason, George Santayana, 1905
The passage contrasts Christianity’s militant zeal with Buddhism’s pacifism, suggesting that religious fervor can fuel conflict while peace‑seeking traditions aim to soothe suffering.
In simple terms: Religion can drive both war and peace.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of belief systems on violence.
Themes
religion
conflict
peace
philosophy
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- peace education
- historical analysis
- policy making
Key Concepts
theodicy
spiritualism
ethical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Can faith be reinterpreted to promote peace?
- What role does doctrine play in justifying conflict?
A Different Perspective
Religious motivations are complex and not solely violent or peaceful.
![“Westereners often think that the East is one vast Buddhist temple, which is rather like thinking the West is one vast Carthusian monastery. If the [Western people who like Buddhism] were to visit the East, he'd certainly experience many new things, but he'd find first, that the food is under lock…” quote by Daniel Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/691/daniel-quinn-1786_buddhism_westereners-often-think-that-the-east-is_269299.jpg)
