Action Quote by Robert Penn Warren
““Politics is action and all action is but a flaw in the perfection of inaction, which is peace, just as all being is but a flaw in the perfection of nonbeing. Which is God. For if God is perfection and the only perfection is in nonbeing, then God is nonbeing. Then God is nothing. Nothing can give no basis for the criticism of Thing in its thingness. Then where do you get anything to say? Then where do you get off?””
About This Quote
Source Book: All the King's Men, Robert Penn Warren, 1946
The quote explores paradoxical ideas about action, inaction, existence, and the nature of God, suggesting that perfection lies in nonbeing, which leads to existential questioning.
In simple terms: It questions whether true perfection is nonexistence and how that affects meaning.
Key Takeaway
Consider how paradoxes shape our understanding of purpose.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
theology
paradox
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates on religion
- philosophical essays
- academic lectures
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
nonbeing
perfection
critique of existence
God concept
Questions to Reflect On
- What does "nonbeing" mean to you?
- How does this view affect your sense of purpose?
A Different Perspective
The argument may be overly abstract, making practical application difficult.
![“[A]nd soon now we shall go out of the house and go into the convulsion of the world, out of history into history and the awful responsibility of Time.” quote by Robert Penn Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/857/robert-penn-warren-2118_awful_a-nd-soon-now-we-shall-go-out-of-the-hou_158285.jpg)
