1962 Quote by Nikos Kazantzakis
““In order to mount to heaven, you used the Inferno to give you momentum. "The further down you gain your momentum," you often used to tell me, "the higher you shall be able to reach. The militant Christian's greatest worth is not his virtue, but his struggle to transform into virtue the impudence, dishonor, unfaithfulness, and malice within him. One day Lucifer will be the most glorious archangel standing next to God; not Michael, Gabriel, or Raphael—but Lucifer, after he has finally transubstantiated his terrible darkness into light.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis, 1955
The quote suggests that personal growth comes from confronting and transforming inner darkness, using struggle as momentum toward higher spiritual states.
In simple terms: Transform inner darkness into light for growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace struggle to become virtuous.
Themes
spiritual transformation
inner struggle
redemption
duality
self‑improvement
Mood
reflective
hopeful
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- moral development
- spiritual practice
- creative work
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
alchemy
psychology
theology
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn personal flaws into strengths?
- What does “light” mean in your life?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor of using inferno as momentum may oversimplify complex moral realities.
![“Even a child could see the division between what the Galileans [i.e., Christians] say they believe and what, in fact, they do believe, as demonstrated by their actions. A religion of brotherhood and mildness which daily murders those who disagree with its doctrines can only be thought hypocrite…” quote by Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/20f/gore-vidal-466_1962_even-a-child-could-see-the-division-betw_1878701.jpg)
