Faith consists in being vitally concerned with that ultimate reality to which I give the symbolical name of God. Whoever reflects earnestly on the meaning of life is on the verge of an act of faith.
Paul TillichRead
Every institution is inherently demonic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that institutions may possess negative or corrupting qualities by their very nature.
Paul Tillich's assertion that 'every institution is inherently demonic' invites us to consider the dark aspects of organized structures and systems within society. He implies that institutions, while necessary for order and function, can often lead to dehumanization, moral decay, and the pursuit of power over ethical considerations. This viewpoint challenges individuals to remain vigilant about the nature of institutions they engage with and to question the moral implications of their influence on human behavior.
Themes
InstitutionDemonicPowerCorruptionMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about corporate ethics, this quote could be used to highlight the potential for corruption within large institutions.
More from Paul Tillich
All quotes βCruelty towards others is always also cruelty towards ourselves.
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He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being.
Paul TillichRead
The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spite of being unacceptable.
Paul TillichRead
The citizens of a city are not guilty of the crimes committed in their city; but they are guilty as participants in the destiny of [humanity] as a whole and in the destiny of their city in particular; for their acts in which freedom was united with destiny have contributed to the destiny in which they participate. They are guilty, not of committing the crimes of which their group is accused, but of contributing to the destiny in which these crimes happened.
Paul TillichRead
Wine is like the incarnation--it is both divine and human
Paul TillichRead
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