Devotion Quote by Timothy Keller
“Our need for worth is so powerful that whatever we base our identity and value on we essentially 'deify.' We will look to it with all the passion and intensity of worship and devotion, even if we think ourselves as highly irreligious.”
About This Quote
The quote explains that humans often idolize whatever they base their identity on, treating it with worship-like devotion regardless of religious belief.
In simple terms: People worship the things they define themselves by.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of over‑identifying with status or roles.
Themes
identity
idolatry
self‑worth
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- social media presence
- relationship status
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of your identity dominate your life?
- How can you balance self‑worth with humility?
A Different Perspective
The devotion can become unhealthy, leading to anxiety or loss of perspective.
![“24 A few pages later, Delbanco writes the following: [Alexis de] Tocqueville’s detection of a “strange melancholy in the midst of abundance” has a special salience today — because while we have gotten very good at deconstructing old stories (the religion that was the subject of my first chapter…” quote by Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85a/timothy-keller-240_sad_24-a-few-pages-later-delbanco-writes-the_25320.jpg)
