This quote implies that mass movements, whether they are social, political or religious, do not necessarily need a higher power or deity to drive them. However, they need an adversary, an enemy, or a “devil” to unite against. This is because having a common enemy fosters unity, solidarity, and a sense of purpose among the members of the movement.
The “devil” in this context could be anything that the movement perceives as a threat or an obstacle to their cause. It could be an individual, a group of people, an idea, an institution, or even a situation. By rallying against this common enemy, the members of the movement feel empowered and motivated to fight for their cause. This shared adversity can also create a strong bond among the members and strengthen their commitment to the movement.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see that many social and political movements are driven by a shared opposition to a perceived enemy. For example, climate change activists rally against big corporations that they see as contributing to environmental degradation. Similarly, civil rights movements often rise against systemic racism or discrimination.
In terms of personal development, this concept can be applied by identifying and confronting the “devils” in our own lives. These could be personal fears, insecurities, negative habits, or anything that hinders our growth and progress. By acknowledging and facing these “devils”, we can overcome them and move forward in our personal development journey.