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About this quote

What does it mean?
The human race is destroyed by politics without principle, progress without compassion, wealth without work, learning without silence, religion without fearlessness, and worship without awareness.
In plain terms
These six corruptions erode humanity.
What can you take from it?
Balance each domain with its ethical counterpart.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • education
  • spiritual practice

Putting it to work

  • integrate principle, compassion, effort, silence, fearlessness, awareness

Questions to consider

  • Which of these corruptions do you see most today?
  • How can you restore balance in that area?

Another view

Broad statements may lack nuance for each area.

More from Anthony de Mello

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  2. This is what Wisdom means: To be changed without the slightest effort on your part, to be transformed, believe it or not, merely by waking to the reality that …

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  3. The sun and its light, the ocean and the wave, the singer and his song- not one. Not two.

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