Before the sacred, people lost all sense of power and all confidence; they occupy a powerless and humble attitude toward it. And yet no thing is sacred of itself, but by declaring it sacred, by my declaration, my judgment, my bending the knee; in short, by my - conscience.

The quote by Max Stirner explores the concept of the sacred and the human attitude toward it. Stirner points out that when faced with something deemed sacred, people often feel powerless and adopt a humble attitude. This reaction reflects the reverence and submission that sacredness commands, causing individuals to lose their usual sense of control and confidence.

However, Stirner challenges the idea that anything is inherently sacred. He argues that sacredness is not an intrinsic quality of an object or concept but is granted through human declaration, judgment, and conscience. It is the individual's recognition and acceptance—symbolized by bending the knee—that confers sacred status. This perspective emphasizes the role of human consciousness and subjectivity in shaping what society considers sacred.

The origin of this quote is found in Stirner’s philosophical work, particularly his critique of established norms, religion, and authority. As a 19th-century thinker, Stirner advocated for individualism and the sovereignty of the self, questioning traditional structures that demand submission. His analysis encourages readers to reconsider where power truly lies and to understand the sacred as a human construct rather than an absolute truth.

In summary, Max Stirner’s quote reveals how the feeling of powerlessness before the sacred stems from human recognition and declaration. It highlights the active role of individual conscience in creating sacredness, urging a critical examination of authority and the meanings we assign to the world around us.