Meaning: This quote by Dorothy Thompson, a prominent American journalist and writer, captures the profound and universal nature of the human instinct to worship. In her comparison of the instinct to worship with the instinct to eat, Thompson suggests that the impulse to engage in acts of reverence and devotion is deeply ingrained in human nature, much like the basic drive for sustenance.

The concept of worship is fundamental to many religious and spiritual traditions around the world. It encompasses a wide range of practices, including prayer, meditation, ritual observances, and acts of veneration directed towards deities, spiritual figures, or sacred symbols. While the specific objects of worship and the forms it takes may vary widely across different cultures and belief systems, the underlying impulse to engage in acts of worship appears to be a near-universal aspect of human experience.

Thompson's comparison of the instinct to worship with the instinct to eat highlights the primal and essential nature of both drives. The instinct to eat is a fundamental biological imperative, essential for the survival and well-being of individuals and communities. Similarly, the instinct to worship seems to speak to a deep-seated need within humans to connect with something greater than themselves, to seek meaning and purpose, and to grapple with questions of existence, morality, and the transcendent.

In drawing this parallel, Thompson suggests that the impulse to engage in acts of worship is not merely a culturally conditioned behavior or a product of religious indoctrination, but rather a deeply rooted aspect of human psychology and experience. It speaks to a fundamental aspect of the human condition, one that transcends specific religious beliefs or affiliations.

Moreover, the comparison between the instinct to worship and the instinct to eat also underscores the powerful and compelling nature of the former. Just as the need for sustenance drives individuals to seek out food and nourishment, the instinct to worship seems to impel people to seek out spiritual fulfillment and transcendence. This suggests that the impulse to engage in acts of worship is not merely a passive or incidental aspect of human experience, but rather a driving force that can shape individual behavior, societal norms, and cultural practices.

Thompson's insight into the instinct to worship invites reflection on the ways in which this aspect of human nature has manifested across different historical periods and cultural contexts. From ancient rituals and ceremonies to the development of organized religions, the human impulse to engage in acts of worship has been a driving force in shaping the beliefs, values, and practices of societies around the world.

In conclusion, Dorothy Thompson's quote eloquently captures the profound and universal nature of the human instinct to worship. By likening this instinct to the fundamental drive for sustenance, she highlights the primal, compelling, and deeply rooted nature of the impulse to engage in acts of reverence and devotion. This insight invites further exploration of the ways in which the instinct to worship has shaped human experience and culture throughout history.