Heaven and earth Quote by R.A. Lafferty
““You believe, in one of your theories, that we're in control of the world. We aren't. But we have been, and we will be whenever we wish. It's a day you will fear to see, that we come fully awake again. And we do come awake now. We will regain the world. Certain later interlopers have for some time ruled heaven and earth. Now we come back -- ruthlessly." "Don't you believe the others also have rights?" "The others have had the run of their rights long enough. They are the interlopers, and it's time that the ancient line is restored. --Oh, Foley, I misunderstood you completely; that's always the difficulty of conversing with infants. You mean PEOPLE. You mean do people have any rights? Oh no, I don't believe that people have any rights.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Interlopers", R.A. Lafferty, 1970
The passage explores a belief that control over the world is illusory, yet humanity will reclaim it, dismissing others' rights and framing conflict as a restoration of an ancient order.
In simple terms: Humans think they control the world, but they claim they will dominate, denying others' rights.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral justification of power and rights.
Themes
power
ethics
control
rights
conflict
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- historical analysis
- social movements
- legal reform
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
moral relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the ethical limits of claiming control?
- How can societies balance power and rights?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the inherent rights of individuals and the harm of domination.
