You who build these altars now to sacrifice these children, you must not do it anymore. A scheme is not a vision and you never have been tempted by a demon or a god.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote condemns those who justify harm through ideology, asserting that no divine force tempts such actions.
- In plain terms
- Do not sacrifice people for ideas; gods do not make you do evil.
- What can you take from it?
- Reject ideologies that demand human sacrifice.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who sacrifices others for a cause?
- How do we stop ideological violence?
Another view
The quote oversimplifies the complex psychological roots of extremism.
More from Leonard Cohen
Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir I have tried in my way to be free.
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