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Mortals Quotes

On the limits, and occasional grace, of being merely mortal.

Mortals quotes here often set human limits against something larger, whether that's a god worth looking up to or the misfortune that tends to age people quickly. It's a natural companion to our God collection.

It is always edifying for mortals to look at a god.

Quotes by Paul Horgan

Acquisition means life to miserable mortals.

Quotes by Hesiod

Mortals grow swiftly in misfortune.

Quotes by Hesiod

As mortals, we're ruled by conditions, not by ourselves.

Quotes by Bodhidharma

Always Quotes

Mortals liberate Buddhas and Buddhas liberate mortals.

Quotes by Bodhidharma

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the general theme of these mortals quotes?
They mostly reflect on human limitation, whether through misfortune, mortality, or the gap between ordinary people and something divine.
Is there a quote comparing mortals to gods?
Yes, one line calls it edifying for mortals to look upon a god, treating that gap as instructive rather than discouraging. See God quotes for related lines.
Does misfortune come up often in this topic?
It does. One quote notes that mortals seem to grow up quickly under misfortune, suggesting hardship accelerates maturity.
Is there a Buddhist-influenced quote here?
Yes, one line describes a mutual relationship where mortals free Buddhas just as Buddhas free mortals. Our Buddhas page explores that idea further.
Do any of these quotes touch on wealth or acquisition?
One does, describing acquisition as something that gives meaning to otherwise miserable, mortal lives.

A few lines borrow from Buddhist teaching, describing a two-way relationship where mortals free Buddhas just as Buddhas free mortals. See also Buddhas and Always quotes.