The attitude of faith is the very opposite of clinging to belief, of holding on.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This insightful quote by Alan Watts distinguishes between faith and belief, emphasizing that faith is characterized by an open and trusting attitude, while belief often involves rigid attachment and holding on to specific doctrines or convictions. Let's delve into its deeper meaning:
Faith as an Attitude: The quote portrays faith as an attitude or disposition rather than a fixed set of beliefs. It suggests that faith is about maintaining an open and receptive stance toward the unknown and the transcendent.
Absence of Clinging: It highlights that faith is not marked by the act of clinging to particular dogmas or doctrines. Unlike belief, which can be rigid and resistant to change, faith is characterized by a willingness to embrace uncertainty and to adapt to new insights.
Trust in the Unseen: Faith often involves trust in something beyond the visible and empirical. It implies confidence in the existence of deeper truths or realities that may not be immediately evident.
Spiritual Exploration: The quote encourages individuals to engage in a spiritual journey that is marked by curiosity, exploration, and a sense of wonder. Faith allows for the possibility of discovery and growth.
Openness to Mystery: It underscores the idea that faith is comfortable with mystery and paradox. It doesn't seek to resolve all questions but rather embraces the enigmatic aspects of life and existence.
In essence, this quote invites us to reframe our understanding of faith. It suggests that faith is not about rigidly holding on to specific beliefs but about cultivating a trusting and open-hearted attitude toward the mysteries of existence. By doing so, individuals can embark on a profound journey of spiritual exploration and discovery, free from the constraints of dogma or fixed beliefs. Faith, in this sense, becomes a dynamic and evolving relationship with the unknown and the transcendent.
Who said the quote?
The quote "The attitude of faith is the very opposite of clinging to belief, of holding on." is often attributed to Alan Watts (Bio / Quotes). Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker who popularized Eastern philosophy and spirituality in the Western world.
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.
