more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
Reason, love and power of will are perfections of man; they are his highest powers, his absolute essence in so far as he is man, the purpose of his existence. Man exists in order to think, love and will.
Gist of Idea
Reason, love and will are the highest perfections and essence of man - the purpose of his life
Source
Ludwig Feuerbach (Introduction of 'Essence of Christianity' [1841], I)
Book Ref
Feuerbach,Ludwig: 'The Fiery Brook: Selected Writings', ed/tr. Hanfi,Zawar [Anchor 1972], p.99
A Reaction
Feuerbach was a notable atheist, but adopts a religious style of language which modern atheists would find rather alien. Personally I love talk of ideals and perfections. Ideals have been discredited in modern times, but need a revival.
| 19451 | When absorbed in deep reflection, is your reason in control, or is it you? [Feuerbach] |
| 19450 | Reason, love and will are the highest perfections and essence of man - the purpose of his life [Feuerbach] |
| 19448 | Consciousness is said to distinguish man from animals - consciousness of his own species [Feuerbach] |
| 19449 | Religion is the consciousness of the infinite [Feuerbach] |
| 19455 | Today's atheism will tomorrow become a religion [Feuerbach] |
| 19454 | A God needs justice, kindness and wisdom, but those concepts don't depend on the concept of God [Feuerbach] |
| 19452 | The nature of God is an expression of human nature [Feuerbach] |
| 19453 | If love, goodness and personality are human, the God who is their source is anthropomorphic [Feuerbach] |