Able Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“What greater weakness can there be than not to know what is the source of one's being, of one's life, of one's senses, of one's knowledge, and what is to be their end? What can be more deeply disheartening than to wonder whether one's soul is, perhaps, a material thing, like a stone or a reptile, corruptible like these base creatures? Is there not more strength and greatness of mind in admitting the idea of a being superior to all other beings, who has made them all and to whom all owe their existence; of a being supremely perfect, who is pure, who had no beginning and can have no ending, of whom our soul is the image and, so to speak, a portion, being a spiritual and immortal thing?”
About This Quote
Explores existential ignorance of origin and purpose, urging recognition of a transcendent creator for meaning and moral grounding.
In simple terms: Highlights the emptiness of materialism versus spiritual awareness.
Key Takeaway
Knowing one's source fuels purpose.
Themes
Existentialism
Spirituality
Purpose
Humility
Transcendence
Mood
Contemplative
Solemn
Reflective
Type
Philosophical
Spiritual
Theological
When to use this quote
- Philosophical debate
- Personal crisis of meaning
- Religious conversion
- Academic lecture on metaphysics
Key Concepts
Origin of being
Nature of soul
Divine creator
Mortality vs. immortality
Practical Applications
- Developing personal worldview
- Guiding ethical frameworks
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to live without a sense of higher purpose?
- How does belief in a supreme being shape moral decisions?
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
