Accounts Quote by Thomas Berry
“There is an ultimate wildness in all this, for the universe, as existence itself, is a terrifying as well as a benign mode of being. If it grants us amazing powers over much of its functioning we must always remember that any arrogance on our part will ultimately be called to account. The beginning of wisdom in any human activity is a certain reverence before the primordial mystery of existence, for the world about us is a fearsome mode of being. We do not judge the universe.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Work, Thomas Berry, 1995
Human wisdom begins with humility toward the vast, mysterious universe, recognizing both its terrifying and benevolent aspects.
In simple terms: Respect the mystery of existence.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reverence for the unknown.
Themes
humility
wisdom
nature
existence
reverence
Mood
awe
humble
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- scientific research
- personal meditation
- education
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
cosmology
ethics
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humility change your interaction with nature?
- What dangers arise from seeing the universe as merely benign?
A Different Perspective
Human arrogance can blind us to the universe’s complexity, limiting true insight.
![“The additional problem with all these proofs [of the immortality of the soul] is that in their attempt to affirm the existence of another world, they in fact undermine the reality and the value of this visible world. It is, of course, the perennial argument: things are awful here, therefore let us…” quote by Alexander Schmemann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85b/alexander-schmemann-18392_another-world_the-additional-problem-with-all-these-pr_278162.jpg)
![“During this period (of technological confinement / [and language]) the human mind has been placed in its narrowest confines it has experienced since consciousness emerged from its Paleolithic phase. Even the most primitive tribes have a larger vision of the universe, of our place and functioning…” quote by Thomas Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/64a/thomas-berry-7391_celestial_during-this-period-of-technological-conf_237540.jpg)
