Modern man Quote by Mark Lilla
““Modern man became a Prometheus, believing himself a god capable of transforming anything and everything at will. “When God has become invisible behind the world,” Voegelin said, “the things of the world become new gods.” Once this is understood,””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The New Prometheus” (2020) null
Modern humanity sees itself as a god‑like creator, but when divine authority fades, worldly things become new idols.
In simple terms: People replace lost divine meaning with material idols.
Key Takeaway
Beware of idolizing technology or power.
Themes
technology
power
secularism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
cultural.
When to use this quote
- politics
- technology development
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Promethean myth
iconoclasm
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern “gods” do we worship?
- How does this shift affect morality?
A Different Perspective
New idols can dominate thought and behavior.
![“[Hermes addresses Prometheus :] To you, the clever and crafty, bitter beyond all bitterness, who has sinned against the gods in bestowing honors upon creatures of a day--to you, thief of fire, I speak.” quote by Aeschylus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/408/aeschylus-749_addresses_hermes-addresses-prometheus-to-you-the-c_388999.jpg)
