Zora Neale Hurston: 'Gods always behave like the people who make them.'

Gods always behave like the people who make them.

The quote by Zora Neale Hurston, 'Gods always behave like the people who make them,' is a thought-provoking statement that encapsulates the relationship between humans and the gods they believe in. On a surface level, it implies that our perception and understanding of a divine being are influenced by our own attributes and characteristics as individuals and as a society. In other words, the gods we create in our minds reflect our values, desires, and shortcomings.This notion is significant because it challenges the traditional belief that gods are infallible and separate from human flaws. Instead, Hurston suggests that gods are ultimately a projection of human imagination and culture. Whether these gods are vengeful or forgiving, benevolent or capricious, their behavior mirrors the virtues and vices found among those who worship them.Building upon this idea, let us delve into a slightly unexpected philosophical concept – moral relativism. The concept of moral relativism argues that there are no universal or objective moral truths; instead, moral judgments are determined by the beliefs and values of particular individuals or societies. When applying this concept to Hurston's quote, an interesting parallel emerges.If gods behave like the people who make them, and if moral judgments are subjective, then it follows that the gods' behavior is also subject to the subjective moral standards of those who worship them. This raises fascinating questions about the nature of morality and its links with religious beliefs.For instance, different cultures may have contrasting gods that reflect their incompatible ethical frameworks. A god of war may be revered in one society and seen as cruel in another that promotes peace. In this context, the quote by Hurston encourages us to question the universality of moral values and how they are intertwined with religious perceptions.Moreover, the quote can be interpreted beyond a strictly religious context. It can be applied to any form of idolization or idealization within society. Whether it is a political figure, a celebrity, or an ideology, those we elevate as "gods" inevitably mirror our own characteristics and aspirations.By realizing this, we are prompted to reflect on the problematic aspects of idolization and the dangers of blindly following the behaviors and beliefs of those we admire. It encourages us to critically examine the qualities we assign to our idols and whether they truly align with our own values.In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's quote, 'Gods always behave like the people who make them,' challenges us to reconsider the relationship between divinity and humanity. It prompts us to question the subjective nature of our beliefs and the ways in which they shape our understanding of gods, morality, and idolization. By delving into unexpected philosophical concepts like moral relativism, we are encouraged to think more deeply about the intricate interplay between gods, people, and the societies they inhabit. Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder of the incredible power of human imagination and how it shapes the world around us, in both divine and secular realms.