Believer Quote by Peter L. Berger
![“He who sups with the devil had better have a long spoon. The devilry of modernity has its own magic: The [believer] who sups with it will find his spoon getting shorter and shorter--until that last supper in which he is left alone at the table, with no spoon at all and with an empty plate. The…” quote by Peter L. Berger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8f7/peter-l-berger-8474_believer_he-who-sups-with-the-devil-had-better-ha_1366760.jpg)
“He who sups with the devil had better have a long spoon. The devilry of modernity has its own magic: The [believer] who sups with it will find his spoon getting shorter and shorter--until that last supper in which he is left alone at the table, with no spoon at all and with an empty plate. The devil, one may guess, will by then have gone away to more interesting company.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sacred Can, Peter L. Berger, 1967
Relying on a dangerous power can leave you vulnerable when it disappears.
In simple terms: Power can turn against you.
Key Takeaway
Beware of dependence on harmful forces.
Themes
trust
danger
dependence
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- political alliances
- technological reliance
- personal relationships
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
social critique
modernity
symbolic interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the hidden costs of aligning with harmful powers?
- How can you maintain autonomy when surrounded by corrupt influences?
A Different Perspective
If you lack alternatives, you may be forced into worse compromises.
