--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is more to us than our physical…" description: "\"“There is more to us than our physical bodies. We are made of physical stuff, of course, but we are made of nonphysical stuff too, an invisible self, a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/gregory-koukl-43534_existentialism_there-is-more-to-us-than-our-physical-bo_560940.jpg" --- # There is more to us than our physical bodies. We are made… ![“There is more to us than our physical bodies. We are made of physical stuff, of course, but we are made of nonphysical stuff too, an invisible self, a soul. This is obvious, it seems to me, and obvious to most people who have thought about it much. Many, however, especially those committed to…” quote by Gregory Koukl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/gregory-koukl-43534_existentialism_there-is-more-to-us-than-our-physical-bo_560940.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/gregory-koukl-43534_existentialism_there-is-more-to-us-than-our-physical-bo_560940.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/gregory-koukl-43534_existentialism_there-is-more-to-us-than-our-physical-bo_560940.jpg) > ““There is more to us than our physical bodies. We are made of physical stuff, of course, but we are made of nonphysical stuff too, an invisible self, a soul. This is obvious, it seems to me, and obvious to most people who have thought about it much. Many, however, especially those committed to matter-ism, deny that souls are real. Denying that humans are more than physical bodies is one reason why that view leads to the nihilism, the “nothing-ism,” I mentioned earlier. And if we are just mechanical parts in a vast machine that has no purpose but just is, I can see their point. In our Story, though, man is not a machine but a human body in union with a human soul that gives life and motion and direction to his physical body. Our souls, however, are not in themselves what make us different from other created things, since all sentient creatures—anything that is conscious or aware or thinks or feels—have souls too. This may surprise you, but that is what the Story teaches3 and what believers in the Story have believed for thousands of years. No, it is not having souls that distinguishes humans from animals. What makes us special is the kind of souls we have.”” [Gregory Koukl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-koukl/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Argues that humans possess both physical and nonphysical aspects, and that the soul's quality, not its existence, distinguishes humanity. **In simple terms:** Humans have bodies and souls; the soul's nature matters. Key Takeaway Recognize the soul's role beyond mere existence. Themes spirituality existence human nature philosophy Mood thoughtful contemplative Type philosophical theological When to use this quote - personal reflection - ethical debates - religious discussions - psychological counseling Key Concepts dualism ontology meaning of life Questions to Reflect On - Do you think a soul influences behavior? - How does belief in a soul affect morality? A Different Perspective Some view souls as metaphorical, not literal. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Body Souls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/body-souls-1583840/) [Existentialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existentialism/) [Having Souls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/having-souls-2708214/) [Human body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-body/) [Human soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-soul/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Physical body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physical-body/) [Souls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/souls/) [Souls Distinguishes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/souls-distinguishes-4650058/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) ## Related quotes > [“But the Duchess's Soul being troubled, that her dear Lord and Husband used such a violent exercise before meat, for fear of overheating himself,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-cavendish/but-the-duchess-s-soul-being-troubled-that-her-dear-lord-and-husband/) [Margaret Cavendish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-cavendish/) > [Listen, if you choose to believe nothing else that transpires here, believe this: your body does not have a soul; your soul has a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernice-l-mcfadden/listen-if-you-choose-to-believe-nothing-else-that-transpires-here/) [Bernice L. 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We are made of physical stuff, of course, but we are made of nonphysical stuff too, an invisible self, a soul. This is obvious, it seems to me, and obvious to most people who have thought about it much. Many, however, especially those committed to matter-ism, deny that souls are real. Denying that humans are more than physical bodies is one reason why that view leads to the nihilism, the “nothing-ism,” I mentioned earlier. And if we are just mechanical parts in a vast machine that has no purpose but just is, I can see their point. In our Story, though, man is not a machine but a human body in union with a human soul that gives life and motion and direction to his physical body. Our souls, however, are not in themselves what make us different from other created things, since all sentient creatures—anything that is conscious or aware or thinks or feels—have souls too. 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