The great reformers of the world turn into the great misanthropists, if circumstances or organisation do not permit them to act. Christ, if He had been a woman, might have been nothing but a great complainer. Peace be with the misanthropists! They have made a step in progress; the next will make them great philanthropists; they are divided but by a line. The next Christ will perhaps be a female Christ. But do we see one woman who looks like a female Christ? or even like 'the messenger before' her 'face', to go before her and prepare the hearts and minds for her? To this will be answered that half the inmates of Bedlam begin in this way, by fancying that they are 'the Christ.' People talk about imitating Christ, and imitate Him in the little trifling formal things, such as washing the feet, saying His prayer, and so on; but if anyone attempts the real imitation of Him, there are no bounds to the outcry with which the presumption of that person is condemned.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reformers often become misanthropists if they cannot act; women face barriers to becoming reformers like Christ.
- In plain terms
- When reformers can't act, they turn bitter; women are often blocked from becoming leaders like Christ.
- What can you take from it?
- Allow reformers the space to act to prevent bitterness and enable progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What prevents you from acting on your ideals?
- Who should lead social progress?
Another view
Not all misanthropists become great philanthropists.
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