"Man is a messenger who forgot the message"
- Abraham Joshua Heschel
About this Quote
The quote by Abraham Joshua Heschel, "Man is a messenger who forgot the message," speaks to the idea that human beings have a magnificent function or message to meet, but have actually forgotten it. This function or message could refer to spiritual commitments or ethical duties towards oneself, others, and the world. Heschel believed that people have actually lost connection with their true function and have been sidetracked by the world's materialistic and shallow values. He wanted to remind individuals that they were put on Earth for an extensive factor and to help them reconnect with their magnificent mission. The quote can also suggest that people have forgotten to be good stewards of the earth, treating it as a resource to exploit rather than a living organism that deserves our respect and defense. In a world that is becoming increasingly troubled, Heschel's words advise us that we are more than consumers or onlookers in life, which we have a vital role to play in making the world a better location.
About the Author