"We can no more do without spirituality than we can do without food, shelter, or clothing"
About this Quote
Ernest Holmes’s assertion that spirituality is as essential to human well-being as food, shelter, or clothing invites a reconsideration of what constitutes necessity in life. Food provides sustenance, shelter offers safety, and clothing ensures protection, all of which are primary for physical survival. However, Holmes elevates spirituality to this foundational level, suggesting that a fulfilled existence is not possible without inner nourishment and connection to something greater.
Spirituality, as referenced here, is not confined to religious practice or dogma, it represents the broader human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection. When individuals lack basic physical needs, survival becomes their central focus. Yet, once those are met, deeper questions naturally arise: Why are we here? What principles should guide our actions? To whom or what are we accountable? The drive to answer these questions reflects a spiritual hunger as intrinsic as the hunger for food.
Holmes implies that without tending to this inner dimension, people experience a kind of deprivation. One might have abundant material resources and still feel a void, a longing for connection, peace, or a sense of belonging. Spirituality addresses these needs, fostering resilience, compassion, and hope. It supports individuals through hardship, provides a framework for morality and gratitude, and enables a sense of unity with others and the world.
Societies built solely on material achievement may witness widespread discontent or alienation, underscoring that spiritual needs persist regardless of external comfort. Conversely, communities that nurture spiritual growth often exhibit greater harmony, purpose, and vitality, even in the face of adversity. Holmes’s perspective challenges us to cultivate spiritual well-being with the same commitment we show our physical welfare, proposing that only in this equilibrium can people achieve wholeness and authentic satisfaction. Spirituality, then, is not a luxury or afterthought, it is a vital, sustaining force at the core of human experience.
Spirituality, as referenced here, is not confined to religious practice or dogma, it represents the broader human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection. When individuals lack basic physical needs, survival becomes their central focus. Yet, once those are met, deeper questions naturally arise: Why are we here? What principles should guide our actions? To whom or what are we accountable? The drive to answer these questions reflects a spiritual hunger as intrinsic as the hunger for food.
Holmes implies that without tending to this inner dimension, people experience a kind of deprivation. One might have abundant material resources and still feel a void, a longing for connection, peace, or a sense of belonging. Spirituality addresses these needs, fostering resilience, compassion, and hope. It supports individuals through hardship, provides a framework for morality and gratitude, and enables a sense of unity with others and the world.
Societies built solely on material achievement may witness widespread discontent or alienation, underscoring that spiritual needs persist regardless of external comfort. Conversely, communities that nurture spiritual growth often exhibit greater harmony, purpose, and vitality, even in the face of adversity. Holmes’s perspective challenges us to cultivate spiritual well-being with the same commitment we show our physical welfare, proposing that only in this equilibrium can people achieve wholeness and authentic satisfaction. Spirituality, then, is not a luxury or afterthought, it is a vital, sustaining force at the core of human experience.
Quote Details
| Topic | Faith |
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