Authority Quote by Peter Sloterdijk
““What the poet has to say to the torso of the supposed Apollo, however, is more than a note on an excursion to the antiquities collection. The author's point is not that the thing depicts an extinct god who might be of interest to the humanistically educated, but that the god in the stone constitutes a thing-construct that is still on air. We are dealing with a document of how newer message ontology outgrew traditional theologies. Here, being itself is understood as having more power to speak and transmit, and more potent authority, than God, the ruling idol of religions. In modern times, even a God can find himself among the pretty figures that no longer mean anything to us - assuming they do not become openly irksome. The thing filled with being, however, does not cease to speak to us when its moment has come.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Stone as Ontology” in his book “Spheres” (1998)
The stone embodies a living construct that speaks beyond traditional gods, showing being itself can hold authority and meaning.
In simple terms: Being can speak louder than gods.
Key Takeaway
Recognize non‑human sources of meaning.
Themes
ontology
philosophy
religion
modernity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- architecture
- cultural heritage
- technology design
Key Concepts
material agency
post‑theology
symbolic power
Questions to Reflect On
- How do objects shape our beliefs?
- Can non‑human entities hold moral authority?
A Different Perspective
Relying on material constructs may overlook human agency.
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