Confidence Quote by Milton Steinberg
““Does man not face life with a greater assurance is he believes that a benevolent providence foresees the future? And yet he must at the same time be confident that his will is free, otherwise moral support is meaningless altogether. Doctrines in themselves are not important to me, but their consequences are. For example, I urge upon men that they regard themselves as embodiments of the divine essence. If I convince them, their days are endowed with a sense of abiding significance and unturning glory. Then not all the misfortunes and degradations to which they may be subjected can take from them their feelings of oneness with angels and stars. And as for our people, persecuted and dispersed, they live under the shadow of death, cherishing a dream that is recurrently shattered by the caprice of tyrants and then dreamed again half in despair. What can enable such a people to persist except a conviction of a special relationship to God?””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Religion, 2005
He argues that belief in a benevolent future and free will gives meaning, especially for oppressed peoples.
In simple terms: Faith and free will give purpose despite suffering.
Cultivate belief in purpose.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- social movements
- personal crises
- cultural identity
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief shape your actions?
- Can meaning exist without faith?
Overreliance on belief can ignore practical action.