We have usurped many of the powers we once ascribed to God. Fearful and unprepared, we have assumed lordship over the life or death of the whole world - of all living things. The danger and the glory and the choice rest finally in man. The test of his perfectibility is at hand. Having taken Godlike power, we must seek in ourselves for the responsibility and the wisdom we once prayed some deity might have. Man himself has become our greatest hazard and our only hope. So that today, St. John the apostle may well be paraphrased: In the end is the Word, and the Word is Man - and the Word is with Men.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans have taken on divine power over life and death, requiring us to find wisdom internally.
- In plain terms
- We control life and death now so we must be wise ourselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Power without wisdom creates existential risk for humanity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can we handle this power?
- Who holds us accountable?
Another view
Humans may not be capable of such great responsibility.
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