Imagine that leader of all the enemy, in that great plain of Babylon, sitting on a sort of throne of smoking flame, a horrible and terrifying sight. Watch him calling together countless devils, to despatch them into different cities till the whole world is covered, forgetting no province or locality, no class or single individual.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote depicts a terrifying leader commanding countless demons to spread chaos worldwide, ignoring any boundaries or individuals.
- In plain terms
- A powerful ruler sends evil forces everywhere, sparing no one.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware unchecked power that can unleash widespread harm.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What safeguards can prevent such absolute power?
- How does fear influence governance?
Another view
The vivid imagery may be hyperbolic and not reflect realistic scenarios.
More from Ignatius of Loyola
The picture. A great plain, comprising the entire Jerusalem district, where is the supreme Commander-in-Chief of the forces of good, Christ our Lord: another p…
Permalink to quote #3 The enemy is like a woman, weak in face of opposition, but correspondingly strong when not opposed. In a quarrel with a man, it is natural for a woman to lose …
Permalink to quote #5 The safest and most suitable form of penance seems to be that which causes pain in the flesh but does not penetrate to the bones, that is, which causes sufferi…
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
Ces deux moities de Dieu, le pape et l'empereur!
Victor HugoVictor Hugo quote #1 In use of the broad powers with which I have been invested, I have found it proper to declare that 1. Priests of any cult who, abusing their ministry, excite h…
Benito JuarezBenito Juarez quote #3 I am the flail of god. Had you not created great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.
Genghis KhanGenghis Khan quote #8