Gnostic politics is self-defeating in so far as its disregard for the structure of reality leads to continuous warfare.
Eric VoegelinRead
The death of the spirit is the price of progress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Progress often comes at the cost of spiritual or ethical values.
This quote suggests that as societies advance and evolve, they may lose sight of important spiritual or moral principles. The pursuit of progress can lead to a disconnection from deeper values, indicating that one must balance the material advancements with the well-being of the spirit and community essence.
Themes
ProgressSpiritDeathPriceValues
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about the ethical implications of technology, one might use this quote to discuss the societal impacts of neglecting spiritual values.
More from Eric Voegelin
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Capitalism has created the highest standard of living ever known on earth. The evidence is incontrovertible. The contrast between West and East Berlin is the latest demonstration, like a laboratory experiment for all to see. Yet those who are loudest in proclaiming their desire to eliminate poverty are loudest in denouncing capitalism. Man's well-being is not their goal.
Ayn RandRead
Perhaps I seek certain utopian things, space for human honour and respect, landscapes not yet offended, planets that do not exist yet, dreamed landscapes.
Werner HerzogRead
Why is it that if you take advantage of a corporate tax break you're a smart businessman, but if you take advantage of something so you don't go hungry, you're a moocher?
Jon StewartRead
This life in us; however low it flickers or fiercely burns, is still a divine flame which no man dare presume to put out, be his motives never so humane and enlightened; To suppose otherwise is to countenance a death-wish; Either life is always and in all circumstances sacred, or intrinsically of no account; it is inconceivable that it should be in some cases the one, and in some the other.
Malcolm MuggeridgeRead
The difficulty is to try and teach the multitude that something can be true and untrue at the same time.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
I and this mystery, here we stand.
Walt WhitmanRead