The analysis of concepts is for the understanding nothing more than what the magnifying glass is for sight
Moses MendelssohnRead
Both state and church have as their object actions as well as convictions, the former insofar as they are based on the relations between man and nature, the latter insofar as they are based on the relations between nature and God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the relationship between human beliefs, societal laws, and the natural world.
Moses Mendelssohn articulates the dual role of both the state and the church in shaping human actions and convictions. He suggests that the state governs based on the natural order and societal relations, while the church governs according to spiritual beliefs and the divine relationship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human existence with both nature and spirituality.
Themes
StateChurchNatureConvictionsBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of religion in society, this quote highlights the balance between faith and governance.
More from Moses Mendelssohn
All quotes →We consider the beauty of nature and art with pleasure and satisfaction, without the slightest movement of desire. Instead, it appears to be a particular mark of beauty that it is considered with tranquil satisfaction; that it pleases if we also do not possess it and we are still far removed from demanding to possess it
Moses MendelssohnRead
Judaism boasts of no exclusive revelation of eternal truths that are indispensable to salvation, of no revealed religion in the sense in which that term is usually understood.
Moses MendelssohnRead
We would be able neither to remember nor to reflect nor to compare nor to think, indeed, we would not even be the person who we were a moment ago, if our concepts were divided among many and were not to be encountered somewhere together in their most exact combination.
Moses MendelssohnRead
Consciousness of myself, combined with complete ignorance of everything that does not fall within my sphere of thinking, is the most telling proof of my substantiality outside God, of my original existence
Moses MendelssohnRead
My religion recognizes no obligation to resolve doubt other than through rational means; and it commands no mere faith in eternal truths
Moses MendelssohnRead
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