God Quote by Nikos Kazantzakis
““We gaze with perplexity at the highest part of the spiral of force that governs the Universe. And we call it God. We could give it any other name: Abyss, Mystery, Absolute Darkness, Total Light, Matter, Spirit, Supreme Hope, Supreme Despair, Silence. “But we call it God, because only this name – for some mysterious reason – is capable of making our heart tremble with vigor. “And let there be no doubt that this trembling is absolutely indispensable for us to be in contact with the basic emotions of the human being, emotions that are always beyond any explanation or logic.””
About This Quote
The quote reflects humanity's tendency to personify the ultimate unknown—whether cosmic force, mystery, or ultimate hope—using the term 'God' because it evokes profound emotional response, which is seen as essential for connecting with deep, ineffable human feelings.
In simple terms: God is a name that stirs deep emotional resonance for the unknowable.
Key Takeaway
Naming the ineffable as God triggers essential emotional engagement.
Themes
Existential awe
Symbolic naming
Emotional necessity
Mystery vs. definition
Human cognition
Mood
Awe
Wonder
Reverence
Type
Philosophical
Spiritual
Reflective
When to use this quote
- Contemplating the universe
- Spiritual practice
- Artistic inspiration
- Philosophical debate
Key Concepts
Transcendence
Emotion
Language
Cosmology
Practical Applications
- Therapeutic emotional grounding
- Motivating existential inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we need a name for the unknowable?
- How does emotional trembling shape our perception of mystery?
