Altered states Quote by Huston Smith
“the heart of religion is not altered states but altered traits of character. For me, then, the test of a substance's religious worth or validity is not what kind of far-out experience it can produce, but is the life improved by its use? That's the test. Now, on that score, if you remove the "religious cocoon," the experiences don't seem to have much in the way of discernible, traceable effects.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The World's Religions, Huston Smith, 1991
Religion should be judged by its impact on character, not by mystical experiences.
In simple terms: Value religion by character change, not experiences.
Key Takeaway
Focus on character growth.
Themes
ethics
spirituality
personal development
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- education
- community building
- personal growth
Key Concepts
character formation
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a practice change daily behavior?
- What traits matter most for moral improvement?
A Different Perspective
Experiences may be fleeting and hard to measure.
