Believe Quote by John Calvin
““For this we must believe: that the mind is never seriously aroused to desire and ponder the life to come unless it be previously imbued with contempt for the present life. Indeed, there is no middle ground between these two: either the world must become worthless to us or hold us bound by intemperate love of it.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1536
Calvin argues that true desire for the afterlife arises only when the present life is despised, leaving no moderate stance.
In simple terms: Desire for future life needs contempt for present.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reverence for the eternal.
Themes
theology
ethics
afterlife
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious devotion
- personal reflection
- moral education
Key Concepts
Calvinism
human desire
spiritual contempt
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance appreciation for life now with hope for what follows?
- Can contempt for the present be healthy?
A Different Perspective
Believing in a future without valuing the present can lead to nihilism.
