This quote is essentially saying that to truly understand and know god, one must be humble. It suggests that a deep, intimate understanding of God or the divine is not possible through arrogance or pride. Instead, it requires humility—a willingness to accept that we are small in comparison to the divine and do not have all the answers.
The phrase “truly know” implies a knowlege that goes beyond surface-level understanding. It’s about experiencing god personally and profoundly—something which can only happen when one puts aside their ego.
And why does knowing God breed humility? Because when confronted with the enormity of what we don’t know or understand about existence and the universe, our own insignificance becomes apparent. This realization humbles us.
Applying this idea in today’s world could mean different things for different people depending on their belief system. For those who believe in a higher power, it might mean striving for a deeper relationship with that entity through prayer, meditation or other spiritual practices designed to foster humility.
But even for those who don’t subscribe to any particular faith tradition—or any at all—the sentiment behind this quote still holds value. In essence, it encourages us to approach life with an open mind and heart—recognizing our own limitations and being willing to learn from others’ experiences and perspectives.
In terms of personal advancement, this philosophy urges self-awareness: acknowledging our flaws as well as strengths; learning from mistakes instead of denying them; listening more than speaking; seeking wisdom rather than asserting superiority; appreciating others’ talents instead of envying them—all these actions reflect humility born out of knowing oneself truly which parallels knowing God as per the maxim by Molinos.
So whether you’re trying to deepen your relationship with your deity or simply aiming for personal growth—humility is key according to this enduring maxim.
