Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.
Hans KungRead
All historical experience demonstrates the following: Our earth cannot be changed unless in the not too distant future an alteration in the consciousness of individuals is achieved.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Real change in the world requires a shift in individual consciousness.
This quote emphasizes that the transformation of our planet is fundamentally linked to the awakening of human consciousness. It suggests that collective progress is not just about actions and policies, but also deeply rooted in how individuals perceive and understand their roles in the world, urging a personal and societal evolution in thinking to create meaningful change.
Themes
ChangeConsciousnessTransformationIndividualExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about climate change, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of personal responsibility.
More from Hans Kung
All quotes →But I have to add - and this answers your other question - this catholicity in time and in space is only meaningful for me if there is, at the same time, a concentration on the Gospel.
Hans KungRead
However, if the religions in essence merely repeat statements from the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, such a Declaration becomes superfluous; an ethic is more than rights.
Hans KungRead
We are conscious that religions cannot solve the economic, political and social problems of this earth.
Hans KungRead
At the same time we are aware that our various religions and ethical traditions often offer very different bases for what is helpful and what is unhelpful for men and women, what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil.
Hans KungRead
In the last resort, a love of God without love of humanity is no love at all.
Hans KungRead
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Yet the summer which was to change everything was coming nearer every day. When boys and girls are growing up, life can't stand still, not even in the quietest of country towns; and they have to grow up, whether they will or no. That is what their elders are always forgetting.
Willa CatherRead
When asked if I am pessimistic or optimistic about the future, my answer is always the same: If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t understand data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor, and you aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a pulse.
Paul HawkenRead