Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-mastery is more important than control over nature.
This quote by Reinhold Niebuhr emphasizes that while humans often strive to dominate and control the natural world, relying solely on this mastery is insufficient. True fulfillment and understanding come from mastering oneself, which includes one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, fostering inner strength and resilience.
Themes
Self-MasteryNatureWisdomControlInner Strength
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one could say, 'Remember, the mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.'
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes βThe tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. This prayer was first printed in a monthly bulletin of the Federal Council of Churches and has become enormously popular. It has been circulated in millions of copies.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
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