Altered Quote by Huston Smith
“The goal of spiritual life is not altered states, but altered traits”
About This Quote
Source Book: The World's Religions, 1991
Spiritual growth should focus on changing character traits rather than seeking mystical experiences.
In simple terms: Change character, not chase altered states.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtues for lasting spiritual development.
Themes
spirituality
personal growth
ethics
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- daily practice
- ethical decision‑making
- community service
Key Concepts
character formation
inner transformation
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What character traits do you wish to develop?
- How can you measure spiritual progress beyond experiences?
A Different Perspective
Emphasizing traits may undervalue the role of experiential insight.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
![“[New York] is a city largely based on great skyscrapers, and they will always be the essence of New York. That won't change, just as the character of the people who live here will not be altered by this tragedy.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ee/donald-trump-18_altered_new-york-is-a-city-largely-based-on-grea_56730.jpg)
