Night poured over the desert. It came suddenly, in purple. In the clear air, the stars drilled down out of the sky, reminding any thoughtful watcher that it is in the deserts and high places that religions are generated. When men see nothing but bottomless infinity over their heads they have always had a driving and desperate urge to find someone to put in the way.

Summary

This quote highlights the profound effect that the desert has on human spirituality and the origins of religious beliefs. The sudden arrival of night in a desert, portrayed as a purple hue, serves as a metaphor for the vastness and emptiness of desolate landscapes. In such surroundings, individuals are confronted with the boundless expanse of the sky, prompting existential contemplation and the search for meaning. The quote suggests that in the face of infinite emptiness, humans have an innate inclination to fill the void by turning to religion, seeking solace and a sense of purpose in the presence of a higher power.

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