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Our profound human duty is not to interpret or to cast light on the rhythm of God's arch, but to adjust, as much as we can, the rhythm of our small and fleeting life to his. Only thus may we mortals succeed in achieving something immortal, because then we collaborate with One who is Deathless. Only thus may we conquer mortal sin, the concentration on details, the narrowness of our brains; only thus may we transubstantiate into freedom the slavery of earthen matter given us to mold.

Nikos Kazantzakis#65

FreedomDutyPurposeEternity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Human duty is to align our fleeting lives with a greater rhythm to achieve immortality and freedom.
In plain terms
Match your life to a higher purpose to gain freedom and permanence.
What can you take from it?
Align with the greater rhythm to transcend limitations.

Where it applies

  • spiritual practice
  • creative work
  • moral decision

Putting it to work

  • life purpose reflection
  • meditation
  • service

Questions to consider

  • What rhythm guides your life?
  • How do you serve something greater?

Another view

Aligning with an undefined rhythm can be subjective.

More from Nikos Kazantzakis

  1. The ultimate most holy form of theory is action. Not to look on passively while the spark leaps from generation to generation, but to leap and to burn with it!

    Permalink to quote #64
  2. Amid all these things, beyond all these things every man and nation, every plant and animal, every god and demon, charges upward like an army inflamed by an in…

    Permalink to quote #66
  3. God confronts me with terror and love - for I am His only hope - and says: 'This Ecstatic, who gives birth to all things, who rejoices in them all and yet dest…

    Permalink to quote #63

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