--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: May we not suppose that all men are…" description: "\"“May we not suppose that all men are equally inspired by God? Then, surely, there is no further use for mediators. But this supposition is impossible, ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/mikhail-bakunin-3075_divine-inspiration_may-we-not-suppose-that-all-men-are-equa_759929.png" --- # May we not suppose that all men are equally inspired by… ![“May we not suppose that all men are equally inspired by God? Then, surely, there is no further use for mediators. But this supposition is impossible, because it is too clearly contradicted by the facts. It would compel us to attribute to divine inspiration all the absurdities and errors which…” quote by Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/mikhail-bakunin-3075_divine-inspiration_may-we-not-suppose-that-all-men-are-equa_759929.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/mikhail-bakunin-3075_divine-inspiration_may-we-not-suppose-that-all-men-are-equa_759929.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/mikhail-bakunin-3075_divine-inspiration_may-we-not-suppose-that-all-men-are-equa_759929.png) > ““May we not suppose that all men are equally inspired by God? Then, surely, there is no further use for mediators. But this supposition is impossible, because it is too clearly contradicted by the facts. It would compel us to attribute to divine inspiration all the absurdities and errors which appear, and all the horrors, follies, base deeds, and cowardly actions which are committed, in the world.”” [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Divine inspiration cannot explain all human actions; attributing everything to God ignores human agency and moral responsibility. **In simple terms:** Not all actions are divinely inspired; humans act on their own. Key Takeaway Recognize human responsibility. Themes philosophy theology ethics human agency Mood critical thought‑provoking Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - political theory - religious critique - social analysis Key Concepts free will moral accountability Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance faith and accountability? - What evidence shows human versus divine causation? A Different Perspective Some may argue divine influence still shapes morality. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Contradicted Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contradicted-facts-5895408/) [Divine inspiration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/divine-inspiration/) [Inspiration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspiration/) [Inspiration Absurdities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspiration-absurdities-5895407/) [Inspired God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspired-god-476329/) [Mediators Supposition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediators-supposition-5895406/) ## Related quotes > [The future of modern society depends much more on the quiet heroism of the very few who are inspired by God. These few will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dietrich-bonhoeffer/the-future-of-modern-society-depends-much-more-on-the-quiet-heroism/) [Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dietrich-bonhoeffer/) > [“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/beth-moore/all-scripture-is-inspired-by-god-and-is-profitable-for-teaching-for/) [Beth Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/beth-moore/) > [ The key \[to sharing the gospel\] is that you be inspired of God, that you ask Him for direction and then go and do… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/the-key-to-sharing-the-gospel-is-that-you-be-inspired-of-god-that-you/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) > [We are inspired by the God that we see in others and suddenly we find ourselves changing. We find ourselves giving more. We find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/we-are-inspired-by-the-god-that-we-see-in-others-and-suddenly-we-find/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [All scripture is inspired by God and is useful; or Every scripture inspired by God is also useful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/all-scripture-is-inspired-by-god-and-is-useful-or-every-scripture/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“You understand the fundamental principle of an icon, don’t you? “Inspired by God” “Not made by hands” “Supposedly directly imprinted upon the background material…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-rice/you-understand-the-fundamental-principle-of-an-icon-don-t-you/) [Anne Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-rice/) > [“While I continue to affirm that the whole Bible is inspired by God, I’m now persuaded that the Bible itself instructs us to base…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gergory-a-boyd/while-i-continue-to-affirm-that-the-whole-bible-is-inspired-by-god-i/) [Gergory A. Boyd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gergory-a-boyd/) > [The Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louis-de-montfort/the-rosary-is-a-priceless-treasure-inspired-by-god/) [Louis de Montfort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louis-de-montfort/) > [“Do I recognize the difference between a good action designed to impress God and a good action simply inspired by God?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/do-i-recognize-the-difference-between-a-good-action-designed-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Vision is a conception that is inspired by God in the hearts of Human](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/myles-munroe/vision-is-a-conception-that-is-inspired-by-god-in-the-hearts-of-human/) [Myles Munroe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/myles-munroe/) > [I think the Bible is completely inspired by God in its overall messages. But, for the people of those days to know what was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-carter/i-think-the-bible-is-completely-inspired-by-god-in-its-overall/) [Jimmy Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-carter/) > [“Christianity and Judaism place great emphasis on a God of love, although some verses of the Bible appear to really jumble this message. What…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/christianity-and-judaism-place-great-emphasis-on-a-god-of-love/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Only the most fervent continues to accept the idea that the Bible is infallible or that it was composed via divine inspiration. To believe…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-ellsworth/only-the-most-fervent-continues-to-accept-the-idea-that-the-bible-is/) [David Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-ellsworth/) > [Man is a centaur, a tangle of flesh and mind, divine inspiration and dust.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/primo-levi/man-is-a-centaur-a-tangle-of-flesh-and-mind-divine-inspiration-and/) [Primo Levi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/primo-levi/) > [“May you find grace and courage to live life to the fullness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/may-you-find-grace-and-courage-to-live-life-to-the-fullness/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) ## More by Mikhail Bakunin > [It clearly follows that to make men moral it is necessary to make their social environment moral. And that can be done in only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/it-clearly-follows-that-to-make-men-moral-it-is-necessary-to-make/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [There are but three ways for the populace to escape its wretched lot. The first two are by the routes of the wine-shop or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/there-are-but-three-ways-for-the-populace-to-escape-its-wretched-lot/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [Whoever says State necessarily says domination, and, consequently, slavery; a State without slavery, open or concealed, is inconceivable: that is why we are enemies…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/whoever-says-state-necessarily-says-domination-and-consequently/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [“Does it follow that I reject all authority? Perish the thought. In the matter of boots, I defer to the authority of the bootmaker;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/does-it-follow-that-i-reject-all-authority-perish-the-thought-in-the/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [I am sure that, on the one hand, the Rothschilds appreciate the merits of Marx, and that on the other hand, Marx feels an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/i-am-sure-that-on-the-one-hand-the-rothschilds-appreciate-the-merits/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [Throw a theory into the fire; it only spoils life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/throw-a-theory-into-the-fire-it-only-spoils-life/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [People go to church for the same reasons they go to a tavern: to stupefy themselves, to forget their misery, to imagine themselves, for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/people-go-to-church-for-the-same-reasons-they-go-to-a-tavern-to/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [The privilege of ruling would be in the hands of the skilled and the learned, with a wide scope left for profitable crooked deals…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/the-privilege-of-ruling-would-be-in-the-hands-of-the-skilled-and-the/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [I am not myself free or human until or unless I recognize the freedom and humanity of all my fellowmen... I am truly free…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/i-am-not-myself-free-or-human-until-or-unless-i-recognize-the-freedom/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [In antiquity slaves were, in all honesty called slaves. In the middle ages, they took the name of serfs. Nowadays they are called wage…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/in-antiquity-slaves-were-in-all-honesty-called-slaves-in-the-middle/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [He who desires to worship God must harbor no childish illusions about the matter but bravely renounce his liberty and humanity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/he-who-desires-to-worship-god-must-harbor-no-childish-illusions-about/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [They maintain that only a dictatorship - their dictatorship, of course - can create the will of the people, while our answer to this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/they-maintain-that-only-a-dictatorship-their-dictatorship-of-course/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [“The masses, on admitting their own incapacity to govern themselves, have elected me as their head By doing so, they have clearly proclaimed their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/the-masses-on-admitting-their-own-incapacity-to-govern-themselves/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [We must overthrow the material and moral conditions of our present-day life. . . . We must first purify our atmosphere and completely transform…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/we-must-overthrow-the-material-and-moral-conditions-of-our-present/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) > [The right to unite freely and to separate freely is the first and most important of all political rights.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikhail-bakunin/the-right-to-unite-freely-and-to-separate-freely-is-the-first-and/) [Mikhail Bakunin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) [Explore all 140 Mikhail Bakunin quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikhail-bakunin/) ## More Divine inspiration quotes > [“May you find grace and courage to live life to the fullness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/may-you-find-grace-and-courage-to-live-life-to-the-fullness/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [Man is a centaur, a tangle of flesh and mind, divine inspiration and dust.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/primo-levi/man-is-a-centaur-a-tangle-of-flesh-and-mind-divine-inspiration-and/) [Primo Levi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/primo-levi/) > [“Only the most fervent continues to accept the idea that the Bible is infallible or that it was composed via divine inspiration. To believe…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-ellsworth/only-the-most-fervent-continues-to-accept-the-idea-that-the-bible-is/) [David Ellsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-ellsworth/) > [IMBECILITY, n. A kind of divine inspiration, or sacred fire affecting censorious critics of this dictionary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/imbecility-n-a-kind-of-divine-inspiration-or-sacred-fire-affecting/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [“There is a divine power and invisible supreme-being.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/there-is-a-divine-power-and-invisible-supreme-being/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [“The power of desire is a divine. Desire to live by faith.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/the-power-of-desire-is-a-divine-desire-to-live-by-faith/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [As everyone knows, the ancients before Aristotle did not consider the dream a product of the dreaming mind, but a divine inspiration, and in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sigmund-freud/as-everyone-knows-the-ancients-before-aristotle-did-not-consider-the/) [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) > [“You start to live when you commit your life to cause higher than yourself. You must learn to depend on divine power for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-giftyakita/you-start-to-live-when-you-commit-your-life-to-cause-higher-than/) [Lailah GiftyAkita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-giftyakita/) > [The Ancient Romans did not regard acts of genius to emanate from within an individual - but rather saw it as a collaboration between…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-garbus/the-ancient-romans-did-not-regard-acts-of-genius-to-emanate-from/) [Liz Garbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-garbus/) > [“With God, there’s always an appointed time for things, and when you put Him first, trust in His timing, and keep the faith, miracles…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/with-god-there-s-always-an-appointed-time-for-things-and-when-you-put/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“4. Religion. Your reason is now mature enough to examine this object. 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