What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
The apparent multiplication of gods is bewildering at the first glance, but you soon discover that they are the same GOD. There is always one uttermost God who defies personification. This makes Hinduism the most tolerant religion in the world, because its one transcendent God includes all possible gods. In fact Hinduism is so elastic and so subtle that the most profound Methodist, and crudest idolater, are equally at home with it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the unity of divine concepts within Hinduism, suggesting tolerance towards diverse interpretations of God.
In this quote, George Bernard Shaw reflects on the nature of Hinduism and its unique approach to divinity. He suggests that while there may appear to be a plethora of gods within the religion, they ultimately represent a single, indefinable ultimate God. This inclusive perspective fosters a sense of acceptance and tolerance among individuals with varying beliefs, regardless of how they might conceptualize the divine, making Hinduism a remarkably flexible and comprehensive faith.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion on interfaith dialogue to promote understanding among different religions.
More from George Bernard Shaw
All quotes →Marriage is good enough for the lower classes: they have facilities for desertion that are denied to us.
Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature!
Those who talk most about the blessings of marriage and the constancy of its vows are the very people who declare that if the chain were broken and the prisoners left free to choose, the whole social fabric would fly asunder. You cannot have the argument both ways. If the prisoner is happy, why lock him in? If he is not, why pretend that he is?
Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; an enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.
The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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