"The combination of these two facts — the longing in the depth of the heart for absolute good, and the power, though only latent, of directing attention and love to a reality beyond the world and of receiving good from it — constitutes a link which attaches every man without exception to that other reality. Whoever recognizes that reality recognizes also that link. Because of it, he holds every human being without any exception as something sacred to which he is bound to show respect. This is the only possible motive for universal respect towards all human beings. Whatever formulation of belief or disbelief a man may choose to make, if his heart inclines him to feel this respect, then he in fact also recognizes a reality other than this world's reality. Whoever in fact does not feel this respect is alien to that other reality also."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Imported from EN Wikiquote
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Simone_Weil
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Simone Weil
1909 – 1943
französische Philosophin
162 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Simone Weil →
Related Quotes
"Truth is sought not because it is truth but because it is good."
"Art is the symbol of the two noblest human efforts: to construct and to refrain from destruction."
"The prospects of revolution seem therefore quite restricted. For can a revolution avoid war? It is, however, on this …"
"I have sometimes told myself that if only there were a notice on church doors forbidding entry to anyone with an inco…"
"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity."
"Wrongly or rightly you think that I have a right to the name of Christian. I assure you that when in speaking of my c…"
"Concern for the symbol has completely disappeared from our science. And yet, if one were to give oneself the trouble,…"
"La culture est un instrument manié par des professeurs pour fabriquer des professeurs qui à leur tour fabriqueront de…"
"Love is not consolation, it is light."
"Religion in so far as it is a source of consolation is a hindrance to true faith; and in this sense atheism is a puri…"