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Achieve Quote by Gregory Bateson

“Perhaps the attempt to achieve grace by identification with the animals was the most sensitive thing which was tried in the whole bloody history of religion .” quote by Gregory Bateson
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“Perhaps the attempt to achieve grace by identification with the animals was the most sensitive thing which was tried in the whole bloody history of religion .”

Gregory Bateson

About This Quote

Source Book: Steps to an Ecology of Mind, 1972

Attempting to find spiritual grace through animal identification was a fragile, historically sensitive endeavor.

In simple terms: Seeking grace via animals was a delicate religious experiment.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of symbolic identification.

Themes

religion animal symbolism history fragility

Mood

analytical critical

Type

theoretical historical

When to use this quote

  • spiritual practice
  • cultural studies
  • ethical reflection

Key Concepts

mythology anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do humans identify with animals?
  • What are the risks of such identification?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex religious history.

4.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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