Most of us retain enough of the theological attitude to think that we are little gods

Most of us retain enough of the theological attitude to think that we are little gods

Oliver Wendell Holmes, a renowned American jurist and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was known for his sharp wit and keen observations on human nature. One of his most famous quotes, "Most of us retain enough of the theological attitude to think that we are little gods," speaks to the inherent arrogance and self-importance that many people possess.

In the context of Holmes' quote, it can be interpreted as a commentary on the human tendency to believe that we are the center of the universe, that our thoughts and actions are of utmost importance, and that we have the power to control our own destinies. This mindset is often rooted in religious beliefs that teach us that we are created in the image of God and have been given dominion over the earth.

However, Holmes' statement suggests that this belief in our own god-like status is misguided and ultimately harmful. It can lead to a sense of entitlement, arrogance, and a lack of empathy for others. When we see ourselves as little gods, we may become blind to our own flaws and shortcomings, believing that we are infallible and above reproach.

Holmes' quote also highlights the tension between our desire for autonomy and control over our lives and the recognition of our limitations as human beings. While we may strive for greatness and seek to exert our will on the world around us, we are ultimately subject to the forces of nature, the whims of fate, and the constraints of our own mortality.