Man is made to adore and to obey: but if you will not command him, if you give him nothing to worship, he will fashion his own divinities, and find a chieftain in his own passions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans need authority and something to worship; without proper guidance, they will idolize their own desires.
- In plain terms
- People need leaders and gods or they will follow their worst impulses.
- What can you take from it?
- Provide healthy structures for human devotion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What happens when authority collapses?
- Is worship necessary?
Another view
It assumes people cannot self-govern effectively.
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