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Religion is the vision of something which stands beyond, behind, and within, the passing flux of immediate things; something which is real, and yet waiting to be realised; something which is a remote possibility, and yet the greatest of present facts; something that gives meaning to all that passes, and yet eludes apprehension; something whose possession is the final good, and yet is beyond all reach; something which is the ultimate ideal, and the hopeless quest.
Alfred North Whitehead
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Religion provides insight into a reality that transcends our immediate experiences, representing both an existing truth and an unattainable ideal.

This quote reflects on the complex nature of religion, describing it as a vision that illuminates something beyond our current reality and experiences. It presents religion as a duality of being a tangible truth while simultaneously being an ideal that is elusive and unattainable. Whitehead emphasizes that religion is crucial for giving meaning to our experiences, yet it remains something that cannot be fully grasped or possessed, serving as both a guide and a profound mystery.

Themes

ReligionPhilosophyMeaningRealityIdealQuest

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of religion in personal meaning-making.

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Inventive genius requires pleasurable mental activity as a condition for its vigorous exercise. "Necessity is the mother of invention" is a silly proverb. "Necessity is the mother of futile dodges" is much closer to the truth. The basis of growth of modern invention is science, and science is almost wholly the outgrowth of pleasurable intellectual curiosity.
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