---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: May there not be some subconscious…"
description: "\"“May there not be some subconscious jealousy that motivates our reactions to other people? Why do we eat chocolate sundaes when we know that we should ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f2/gordon-h-clark-48142_choices_may-there-not-be-some-subconscious-jealo_2644600.jpg"
---

#  May there not be some subconscious jealousy that motivates…

![“May there not be some subconscious jealousy that motivates our reactions to other people? Why do we eat chocolate sundaes when we know that we should reduce? Are we free from the influence of parental training? The Scriptures say, &quot;Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he…” quote by Gordon H. Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f2/gordon-h-clark-48142_choices_may-there-not-be-some-subconscious-jealo_2644600.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f2/gordon-h-clark-48142_choices_may-there-not-be-some-subconscious-jealo_2644600.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f2/gordon-h-clark-48142_choices_may-there-not-be-some-subconscious-jealo_2644600.jpg)

> ““May there not be some subconscious jealousy that motivates our reactions to other people? Why do we eat chocolate sundaes when we know that we should reduce? Are we free from the influence of parental training? The Scriptures say, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Parental training and all education proceed on the assumption that the will is not free, but can be trained, motivated, and directed. Finally, beyond both physiology and psychology there is God. Can we be sure that he is not directing our choices? Do we know that we are free from his grace? The Psalm says, "Blessed is the man whom you choose and cause to approach you." Is it certain that God has not caused us to choose to approach him? Can we set a limit to God's power? Can we tell how far it extends and just where it ends? Are we outside his control?””

[Gordon H. Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gordon-h-clark/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human freedom is questioned by parental influence, divine will, and psychological limits, leaving uncertainty about true autonomy.

**In simple terms:** Freedom is uncertain due to upbringing, belief, and divine influence.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on the sources shaping your choices.

Themes

free will theology psychology determinism

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

- personal decision‑making
- ethical dilemmas
- spiritual contemplation
- psychological analysis

Key Concepts

parental influence divine sovereignty self‑control

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you feel your choices are truly yours?
- How does belief in divine guidance affect personal responsibility?

A Different Perspective

Theological doctrines may assert absolute divine control, challenging the notion of free will.

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