"Where no gods are, spectres rule"

This quote by Novalis suggests that in the absence of a greater power or belief in a deity, worry and superstitious notion take over and control our lives. The word "gods" might refer to any type of spiritual or religious figure that offers assistance and comfort. Without this assistance, we are left vulnerable to the impact of "spectres," which can be translated as ghosts, demons, or any other type of malicious force. This quote functions as a warning against the dangers of living without faith and the potential consequences of permitting worry to rule our lives. It highlights the importance of having a belief system to direct us and protect us from the unknown.