Connecting Quote by Mikhail Bakunin
“This contradiction lies here: they wish God, and they wish humanity. They persist in connecting two terms which, once separated, can come together again only to destroy each other.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Theology, Mikhail Bakunin, 1865
The quote highlights the paradox of desiring both divine authority and human autonomy, which inevitably clash and lead to mutual destruction when forced together.
In simple terms: Wanting God and humanity together creates conflict.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and separate conflicting ideals.
Themes
conflict
authority
humanism
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political movements
- religious debates
- personal belief systems
- social reforms
Key Concepts
anarchism
theology
paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile divine aspirations with human agency?
- Can opposing ideals coexist peacefully?
A Different Perspective
Balancing spiritual and secular goals is often impossible without compromise.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
![“My emotional investment started when I read the first scene of the actual drama [45 Years]. I can't explain it, there's no logic to it, but the notion of one's youth that somehow comes back but is gone, a man of my age connecting to that timing of life.” quote by Tom Courtenay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6a3/tom-courtenay-34985_age_my-emotional-investment-started-when-i-r_73411.jpg)