Nothing is constant but change! All existence is a perpetual flux of "being and becoming!" That is the broad lesson of the evolution of the world.
We are compelled by reflection to recognize that God is not to be placed against the material world [as in Christianity], but must be placed as a 'divine power' or 'moving spirit' within the cosmos itself ... All the wonderful phenomena of nature around us, organic as well as inorganic, are only various products of one and the same original force.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that God should be viewed as an inherent force within the universe rather than separate from it.
Ernst Haeckel's quote emphasizes the idea that the divine should not be considered as an entity separate from the material world. Instead, he portrays God as a pervasive force or spirit that actively contributes to the cosmos, implying that everything in nature—whether living or non-living—is a manifestation of this singular original force. This perspective challenges traditional views of religion and encourages a more integrated understanding of spirituality and nature.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about environmental conservation, one might quote this to emphasize the sacredness of nature.
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Religion says earn your life. Secular society says create your life. Jesus says, 'My life for your life.
An adulterer will not commit adultery when he has full faith (in Allah), and a thief will not steal when he has full faith (in Allah).
God doesn't dwell in the wooden, stony or earthen idols. His abode is in our feelings, our thoughts.
Religion is a conceited effort to deny the most obvious realities.
Honey, de white man is de ruler of everything as fur as Ah been able tuh find out. Maybe it's some place way off in de ocean where de black man is in power, but we don't know nothin' but what we see.
I believe we are going to have to prepare ourselves for the difficult and patient task of outgrowing rigid and intransigent nationalism, and work slowly towards a world federation of peaceful nations. How will this be possible? Don't ask me. I don't know. But unless we develop a moral, spiritual, and political wisdom that is proportionate to our technological skill, our skill may end us.