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.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Wherever an altar is found, there civilization exists.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Civilization is marked by the presence of shared beliefs and values, symbolized by altars.
This quote suggests that civilization is not just about technological advancements or structures, but also about the shared faith, morals, and values of a society that are often symbolized by altars. Altars represent the sacredness of community, reflecting the beliefs that hold people together, thus indicating that wherever these spiritual or existential markers exist, so too does the essence of civilization itself.
Themes
CivilizationAltarBeliefsValuesCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of cultural heritage, one might refer to this quote to emphasize shared community values.
More from Joseph De Maistre
All quotes →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
A constitution that is made for all nations is made for none.
Joseph De MaistreRead
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.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Reason speaks in words alone, but love has a song.
Joseph De MaistreRead
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
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