Skip to content

God Quote by Hermes Trismegistus

“If then you do not make yourself equal to God, you cannot apprehend God; for like is known by like. Leap clear of all that is corporeal, and make yourself grown to a like expanse with that greatness which is beyond all measure; rise above all time and become eternal; then you will apprehend God…” quote by Hermes Trismegistus
Download Open image
““If then you do not make yourself equal to God, you cannot apprehend God; for like is known by like. Leap clear of all that is corporeal, and make yourself grown to a like expanse with that greatness which is beyond all measure; rise above all time and become eternal; then you will apprehend God. Think that for you too nothing is impossible; deem that you too are immortal, and that you are able to grasp all things in your thought, to know every craft and science; find your home in the haunts of every living creature; make yourself higher than all heights and lower than all depths; bring together in yourself all opposites of quality, heat and cold, dryness and fluidity; think that you are everywhere at once, on land, at sea, in heaven; think that you are not yet begotten, that you are in the womb, that you are young, that you are old, that you have died, that you are in the world beyond the grave; grasp in your thought all of this at once, all times and places, all substances and qualities and magnitudes together; then you can apprehend God. But if you shut up your soul in your body, and abase yourself, and say “I know nothing, I can do nothing; I am afraid of earth and sea, I cannot mount to heaven; I know not what I was, nor what I shall be,” then what have you to do with God?””

Hermes Trismegistus

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Asclepius, attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, c. 3rd century CE

Understanding divine nature requires expanding one's mind beyond physical limits, seeing all opposites as unified, and transcending ordinary perception to grasp the infinite.

In simple terms: Expand mind beyond the to know the infinite.

Key Takeaway

Broaden perspective to seek deeper insight.

Themes

spirituality philosophy transcendence

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • philosophical study
  • creative problem solving
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

unity of opposites holistic perception metaphysics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one balance transcendental thought with daily duties?
  • What limits exist in human cognition?
A Different Perspective

May lead to escapism or neglect of practical responsibilities.

2.4 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Hermes Trismegistus

Explore all 4 Hermes Trismegistus quotes

More God quotes

Browse all 37,707 God quotes