Meaning: The quote provided is from Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian revolutionary and anarchist thinker who lived in the 19th century. In this quote, Bakunin is pointing out a contradiction that he sees in the human desire for both God and humanity. He argues that people wish for the existence of God while also wishing for the betterment of humanity, but he believes that these two desires are ultimately incompatible and irreconcilable.

Bakunin's statement reflects his deep skepticism toward organized religion and his belief in the potential of humanity to achieve social and political progress without the need for divine intervention. Throughout his life, Bakunin was a vocal critic of authority, whether it was in the form of the state or the church, and he advocated for the liberation of the individual from all forms of oppression.

When Bakunin talks about the contradiction of wishing for God and humanity, he is highlighting the tension between the spiritual and the material aspects of human existence. Many religious traditions teach the importance of caring for others and striving for justice and equality, but they also often emphasize the worship of a higher power and the acceptance of divine authority. Bakunin seems to be suggesting that the pursuit of a divine figure and the pursuit of human progress are at odds with each other because they represent fundamentally different approaches to understanding and improving the world.

Bakunin's critique of this contradiction can also be seen as a rejection of the idea that human salvation or progress can be achieved through divine intervention or through the hierarchical structures promoted by religious institutions. Instead, he advocates for a more secular and human-centered approach to social change, one that empowers individuals to work together to create a more just and equitable society.

In Bakunin's view, the connection between God and humanity, once separated, can only lead to their mutual destruction. This separation implies that the pursuit of divine salvation and the pursuit of human liberation are incompatible and ultimately undermine each other. Bakunin's anarchist beliefs lead him to reject the idea that any external authority, whether it be divine or secular, should dictate the course of human affairs. He argues for the autonomy and freedom of individuals to shape their own destinies and to collectively create a society based on equality and mutual aid.

Bakunin's quote reflects his broader critique of systems of power and domination, whether they are rooted in religious institutions or in the structures of the state. He believed that true freedom and justice could only be achieved through the voluntary association of individuals working together in solidarity, without the need for external authorities or hierarchies.

In conclusion, Mikhail Bakunin's quote challenges the compatibility of the desires for God and humanity, highlighting a fundamental contradiction in human aspirations. His critique reflects his anarchist beliefs and his rejection of external authority in shaping the course of human affairs. Bakunin's ideas continue to be influential in anarchist and anti-authoritarian thought, and his critique of the tension between the spiritual and the material realms offers a thought-provoking perspective on the pursuit of social and political change.