Meaning: The quote "He who desires to worship God must harbor no childish illusions about the matter but bravely renounce his liberty and humanity" by Mikhail Bakunin, a revolutionary thinker and anarchist, reflects his belief in the challenging and transformative nature of true religious devotion. This quote encapsulates Bakunin's skepticism towards traditional religious practices and his call for individuals to fully commit themselves to worship without holding on to preconceived notions or personal desires.

Mikhail Bakunin was an influential figure in the 19th century, known for his radical ideas on political philosophy, revolution, and anarchism. Born in 1814 in Russia, Bakunin was a fervent critic of state authority and organized religion. His writings and activism have left a lasting impact on the development of anarchist thought and revolutionary movements.

In the context of the quote, Bakunin challenges the conventional understanding of religious worship by emphasizing the need to relinquish "childish illusions" and to renounce one's "liberty and humanity." This assertion can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, Bakunin seems to suggest that genuine worship requires individuals to transcend their selfish desires and embrace a higher form of devotion. He implies that true worship involves sacrificing personal liberty and embracing a sense of duty and submission to a higher power.

Furthermore, the phrase "childish illusions" may allude to the naive or simplistic beliefs that individuals may hold about their relationship with the divine. Bakunin appears to advocate for a more mature and critical approach to spirituality—one that involves questioning and challenging established dogmas and embracing a deeper, more authentic form of worship.

Bakunin's emphasis on renouncing one's "liberty and humanity" in the pursuit of worship can be seen as a rejection of individualism and self-centeredness. He is advocating for a radical reorientation of one's priorities, urging individuals to transcend their own egos and embrace a selfless commitment to the divine.

It is important to note that Bakunin's perspective on religion was deeply influenced by his anarchist beliefs and his opposition to institutionalized power structures. For Bakunin, traditional religious institutions often represented oppressive forces that stifled individual freedom and perpetuated social inequality. His call to renounce liberty and humanity in the pursuit of worship can be understood in this context as a rejection of the self-serving tendencies of established religious hierarchies.

In summary, Mikhail Bakunin's quote challenges individuals to approach religious worship with a critical and selfless mindset. It urges them to cast aside their own desires and preconceptions, embracing a more profound and authentic form of devotion. While Bakunin's views on religion must be understood within the broader context of his anarchist philosophy, his words continue to provoke thought and debate on the nature of true religious commitment.