Meaning: The quote "Religion is not only a part of education, an element of humanity, but the center of everything else, always the first and the ultimate, the absolutely original" by Karl Schlegel reflects a profound perspective on the role and significance of religion in human life. This quote is attributed to Friedrich Schlegel, a German philosopher, literary critic, and writer from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Friedrich Schlegel was a key figure in the German Romantic movement, and his ideas had a significant impact on the development of philosophical and literary thought during his time.

In this quote, Schlegel emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of religion, positioning it not just as a component of education or a facet of human existence, but as the very core and essence of everything else. According to Schlegel, religion is the fundamental and original force that underpins all aspects of human life and experience. This perspective challenges the notion of religion as a separate or secondary aspect of existence and instead positions it as the primary and essential element from which all other aspects of human endeavor and understanding emanate.

Schlegel's assertion that religion is "the center of everything else" suggests that he views it as the focal point around which all other aspects of human life revolve. This implies that religion informs and influences education, morality, ethics, and the broader cultural and social frameworks within which individuals and communities operate. Schlegel's perspective aligns with the Romantic movement's emphasis on the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of human experience, seeking to integrate these elements into a holistic understanding of existence.

Furthermore, by describing religion as "always the first and the ultimate, the absolutely original," Schlegel emphasizes its primacy and foundational significance. This characterization positions religion as the originating force from which all other human endeavors and expressions derive their essence. In this sense, Schlegel's quote can be interpreted as a call to recognize and acknowledge the pervasive influence of religion in shaping human thought, behavior, and societal structures.

Schlegel's perspective on religion as articulated in this quote invites contemplation on the multifaceted roles and interpretations of religion in different cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts. It prompts consideration of the ways in which religion has historically served as a central organizing principle for human societies, shaping moral codes, belief systems, and communal practices. Additionally, Schlegel's assertion challenges individuals to critically examine the pervasive influence of religion in their own lives and in the broader social and cultural landscapes.

In contemporary discourse, Schlegel's quote may prompt discussions on the evolving role of religion in an increasingly secular and pluralistic world. It invites consideration of the ways in which religion continues to intersect with education, politics, ethics, and cultural identity, and how these intersections shape individuals' worldviews and societal dynamics. Furthermore, Schlegel's perspective may inspire dialogue on the potential for religion to serve as a unifying or divisive force within diverse and interconnected global communities.

Overall, Schlegel's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the profound and far-reaching influence of religion in human life. It challenges individuals to critically engage with the multifaceted roles of religion in shaping human existence and to contemplate its enduring significance as a central and foundational aspect of human experience.