Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the limitations of human understanding when it comes to comprehending the nature of God. It suggests that while we may not have a complete understanding of what God is, we can approach the concept by understanding what God is not.
The quote highlights the mystery and transcendence of the divine. It acknowledges that human language and comprehension fall short when attempting to fully grasp the essence of God. Rather than attempting to define God or confine the divine to human parameters, it encourages a more humble and open-minded approach.
By focusing on what God is not, the quote invites individuals to explore and contemplate the qualities and attributes that do not align with the divine nature. It challenges us to let go of rigid and limiting conceptions and embrace a sense of wonder and awe in the face of the infinite.
In essence, the quote encourages a shift in perspective from attempting to comprehend the nature of God in its entirety to cultivating a sense of reverence, openness, and humility. It invites individuals to engage in a continual exploration of the divine, acknowledging the vastness of the unknown while seeking to deepen their connection with the transcendent.
It is important to note that interpretations of God vary across religious and philosophical beliefs, and this quote reflects a particular perspective on the nature of divine understanding. It encourages individuals to embrace the mystery and complexity of the divine while maintaining an attitude of reverence, curiosity, and spiritual exploration.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not" reflects a philosophical and theological perspective that has influenced various thinkers throughout history. One historical example that embodies this idea is the approach of the medieval philosopher and theologian, Maimonides, particularly in his work, the "Guide for the Perplexed."
Maimonides, a prominent Jewish philosopher in the 12th century, argued that God is fundamentally beyond human comprehension. In his writings, he emphasizes that while we can describe what God is not—such as saying that God is not corporeal, not limited by time or space—our human minds cannot fully grasp or define the essence of the divine. Instead, we must rely on negative theology, which focuses on describing God's nature through negations.
For instance, Maimonides argues against anthropomorphic depictions of God, asserting that such representations are insufficient because they impose human limitations onto the divine. By stating what God is not, Maimonides aims to guide believers away from mistaken notions of the divine and towards a more abstract and transcendent understanding.
This approach mirrors the quote's assertion that we can only approach the concept of God through negation. Just as Maimonides sought to clarify the divine through negations rather than positive assertions, the quote reflects the notion that our understanding of the divine is limited by our inability to conceive of its true nature.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote "Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not" can be applied to various real-life scenarios, especially when addressing complex or abstract concepts that elude straightforward understanding.
For example, consider the realm of personal values and ethics. Imagine a situation where someone is grappling with the concept of integrity. Rather than defining integrity in a positive manner (e.g., being honest, being fair), one might approach the concept by identifying what integrity is not. Integrity is not deceitful, not hypocritical, not self-serving. By focusing on what integrity lacks, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of what it truly means to act with integrity in their own lives.
In a professional setting, this approach can help resolve ethical dilemmas. For instance, if a company faces a decision that might benefit them financially but compromises their ethical standards, employees and leaders can analyze the situation by focusing on what is not acceptable—such as exploiting workers, engaging in fraud, or neglecting corporate social responsibility. By clarifying what the company must avoid, they can better navigate towards decisions that align with their core values.
In both examples, the application of the quote guides individuals and organizations to a deeper understanding of complex concepts by emphasizing what they are not. This approach not only helps clarify the essence of abstract ideas but also aids in making more informed and principled decisions in various aspects of life.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
