Man is insatiable for power; he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he has not. People complain of the despotism of princes; they ought to complain of the despotism of man.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Man, in spite of his fatal degradation, bears always the evident marks of his divine origin, in that every universal belief is always more or less true.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans possess an innate divine essence despite their flaws, with universal beliefs reflecting deeper truths.
This quote by Joseph De Maistre suggests that, regardless of humanity's shortcomings and moral failings, there remains a trace of divinity within us. De Maistre argues that our universal beliefs, which transcend cultures and time, hint at a shared truth rooted in this divine origin, indicating that despite our degradation, we are still connected to a higher understanding or truth.
Themes
DivineHumanityTruthBeliefPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion about human nature and morality.
More from Joseph De Maistre
All quotes βA constitution that is made for all nations is made for none.
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False opinions are like false money, struck first of all by guilty men and thereafter circulated by honest people who perpetuate the crime without knowing what they are doing.
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Reason speaks in words alone, but love has a song.
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Man in harmony with his Creator is sublime, and his action is creative; equally, once he separates himself from God and acts alone, he does not cease to be powerful, since this is the privilege of his nature, but his acts are negative and lead only to destruction.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Wherever an altar is found, there civilization exists.
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