Fetish Quote by Sri Aurobindo
“We cannot afford to raise any institution to the rank of a fetish. To do so would be simply to become the slaves of our own machinery.”
About This Quote
Elevating institutions to sacred status makes us dependent on them, turning us into their servants rather than masters.
In simple terms: Treating institutions as idols creates servitude.
Key Takeaway
Question and keep institutions accountable.
Themes
power
institutional critique
freedom
autonomy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- organizational leadership
- personal autonomy
Key Concepts
fetishization
dependency
Questions to Reflect On
- What checks prevent institutional overreach?
- How do you maintain healthy skepticism?
A Different Perspective
Institutions can provide stability and shared purpose.
