Religion Quote by William James
““When all is said and done, we are in the end absolutely dependent on the universe; and into sacrifices and surrenders of some sort, deliberately looked at and accepted, we are drawn and pressed as into our only permanent positions of repose. Now in those states of mind which fall short of religion, the surrender is submitted to as an imposition of necessity, and the sacrifice is undergone at the very best without complaint. In the religious life, on the contrary, surrender and sacrifice are positively espoused: even unnecessary givings-up are added in order that the happiness may increase. Religion thus makes easy and felicitous what in any case is necessary.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Varieties of Religious Experience, 1902
Sacrifice and surrender are necessary, whether religious or secular, and they bring deeper happiness.
In simple terms: Giving up is essential for true contentment.
Key Takeaway
Accept necessary sacrifices to find lasting peace.
Themes
sacrifice
acceptance
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
serene
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal loss
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
religion
Questions to Reflect On
- What sacrifices are you resisting?
- How does surrender affect your sense of control?
A Different Perspective
Secular surrender may lack communal support found in religion.
