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Mankind, transmitting from generation to generation the legacy of accumulated vengeances, and pursuing with the feelings of duty the misery of their fellow-beings, have not failed to attribute to the Universal Cause a character analogous with their own. The image of this invisible, mysterious Being is more or less excellent and perfect - resembles more or less its original - in proportion to the perfection of the mind on which it is impressed.

Percy Bysshe Shelley#193

Human natureTheologyDivinityBeliefPsychology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Humans project their own vengeful traits onto God based on the quality of their own minds.
In plain terms
Our idea of God reflects our own character and flaws.
What can you take from it?
Your concept of divinity mirrors your own mind.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • self-reflection
  • religious study

Putting it to work

  • examine your beliefs
  • critique dogma
  • study psychology

Questions to consider

  • What does your God look like?
  • Is your view limited by you?

Another view

Some argue divine nature exists independently of human thought.

More from Percy Bysshe Shelley

  1. The emptiness and folly of retaliation are apparent from every example which can be brought forward. Not only Jesus Christ, but the most eminent professors of …

    Permalink to quote #192
  2. The conceptions which any nation or individual entertains of the God of its popular worship may be inferred from their own actions and opinions, which are the …

    Permalink to quote #194
  3. If all the thought which had been expended on the construction of engines of agony and death - the modes of aggression and defence, the raising of armies, and …

    Permalink to quote #191

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