"Where there is no temple there shall be no homes"

T.S. Eliot's quote, "Where there is no temple there shall be no homes", welcomes a profound expedition into the interconnectedness of spirituality, community, and individual stability in human society. At its core, the statement recommends that the structure of a steady and nurturing home environment is fundamentally connected to a shared spiritual or common center, signified by the "temple.".

The "temple" in this context can be understood not just as a physical place of worship but also as a metaphor for shared values, cultural heritage, and the moral compass that guides a community. It represents a source of collective significance and purpose that transcends private self-interest. It is where common relationships are supported, ethical standards are promoted, and the routines that bind individuals together are practiced. Without such a unifying center, the quote implies, homes-- representing personal life and household-- do not have the essential grounding and instructions to thrive.

Eliot might be highlighting the idea that without a shared spiritual or ethical foundation, society becomes fragmented, resulting in alienation and a weakening of familial bonds. The lack of a "temple" recommends a neighborhood without a core set of beliefs or an assisting structure, resulting in people residing in seclusion from each other, without the sense of belonging and support that both homes and temples are meant to offer.

Moreover, the quote can be viewed as a commentary on modernity and the secularization of societies, where traditional religious and common structures have actually lessened in influence. Eliot may be mentioning the consequences of such a shift-- where the disintegration of shared spiritual and ethical values leads to instability and decay within the essential system of society: the home.

In this light, Eliot's words function as a cautionary reminder of the important role that collective spiritual and moral structures play in preserving the integrity and cohesion of both the bigger community and the intimate areas of home and family life. It is an appeal to recognize and maintain those elements that unify us, cultivating environments where both community and individual life can succeed.