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Art Quote by Wendell Berry

“It is impossible to see how good work might be accomplished by people who think that our life in this world either signifies nothing or has only a negative significance. If, on the other hand, we believe that we are living souls, God's dust and God's breath, acting our parts among other creatures…” quote by Wendell Berry
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““It is impossible to see how good work might be accomplished by people who think that our life in this world either signifies nothing or has only a negative significance. If, on the other hand, we believe that we are living souls, God's dust and God's breath, acting our parts among other creatures all made of the same dust and breath as ourselves; and if we understand that we are free, within the obvious limits of moral human life, to do evil or good to ourselves and to the other creatures - then all our acts have a supreme significance. If it is true that we are living souls and morally free, then all of us are artists. All of us are makers, within mortal terms and limits, of our lives, of one another's lives, of things we need and use... If we think of ourselves as living souls, immortal creatures, living in the midst of a Creation that is mostly mysterious, and if we see that everything we make or do cannot help but have an everlasting significance for ourselves, for others, and for the world, then we see why some religious teachers have understood work as a form of prayer... Work connects us both to Creation and to eternity. (pg. 316, Christianity and the Survival of Creation)””

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Book: Christianity and the Survival of Creation, 1979

Seeing work as a sacred act gives it lasting meaning when we recognize ourselves as free, soulful participants in a mysterious creation.

In simple terms: Work is sacred when we view ourselves as free souls in creation.

Key Takeaway

Treat work as prayer; create with purpose.

Themes

purpose spirituality work creation freedom

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal projects
  • community service
  • environmental stewardship
  • creative professions

Key Concepts

existentialism theology meaning artistry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does seeing work as prayer change your daily tasks?
  • What limits does you see in viewing life as a creation?
A Different Perspective

Belief in insignificance can undermine motivation.

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