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At every moment of crisis an array of men risk their lives in the front ranks as standard-bearers of God to fight and take upon themselves the whole responsibility of the battle. Once long ago it was the priests, the kings, the noblemen, or the burghers who created civilizations and set divinity free. Today God is the common worker made savage by toil and rage and hunger

Nikos Kazantzakis#80

SpiritualityHistoryLeadershipSacredSocialWork

About this quote

What does it mean?
Historically, elites led religious and civil efforts; now the common worker bears the struggle.
In plain terms
Everyday workers now carry the divine fight.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the sacredness of ordinary labor.

Where it applies

  • workplace
  • community organizing
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • honor daily toil
  • view work as spiritual practice

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to see work as divine?
  • How can this perspective empower workers?

Another view

May romanticize labor without addressing systemic oppression.

More from Nikos Kazantzakis

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  2. Cries rise up on every side. Who shouts? It is we who shout - the living, the dead, and the unborn. But at once we are crushed by fear, and we fall silent. And…

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  3. A vehement eros runs through the Universe. It is like the ether: harder than steel, softer than air. It cuts through and passes beyond all things, it flees and…

    Permalink to quote #78

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