In human history, we are going from knowledge to omniscience, from potence to omnipotence, from ethics and religion to righteousness. So, in my view, God comes at the end of this long process. This may not happen in our lifetimes or even in the lifetime of our species.

Martin Seligman’s quote—“In human history, we are going from knowledge to omniscience, from potence to omnipotence, from ethics and religion to righteousness. So, in my view, God comes at the end of this long process. This may not happen in our lifetimes or even in the lifetime of our species”—reflects his vision of human evolution, both intellectually and spiritually. Seligman suggests that humanity is on a trajectory of growth, moving from mere knowledge to complete understanding (omniscience), from limited power (potence) to boundless ability (omnipotence), and from conventional ethics and religion to a deeper sense of moral truth (righteousness). In this grand scheme, the concept of God emerges at the conclusion of this evolutionary process, which may unfold over an extended period, potentially beyond the span of human history.

The origin of this quote can be linked to Seligman’s work in the field of positive psychology, where he explored human strengths, well-being, and the potential for progress in personal and societal development. His perspective here blends his psychological insights with philosophical and theological considerations. Seligman’s idea is that as humans continue to advance, we may eventually reach a stage of enlightenment and moral purity, represented by the idea of God. The quote suggests that the journey towards understanding and power is a gradual one, driven by intellectual and moral development.

By talking about humanity’s movement from ethics and religion to righteousness, Seligman highlights the shift from institutionalized moral systems toward a more intrinsic and universal form of goodness. This idea suggests that over time, humans may transcend traditional frameworks of ethics and religion in favor of a deeper, more universal understanding of righteousness, which aligns with higher ideals of moral and spiritual integrity.

Ultimately, Seligman’s quote reflects an optimistic and expansive view of human potential. He envisions a future where humanity evolves not only in knowledge and power but also in moral and spiritual maturity. However, Seligman acknowledges that this transformation is likely to occur over a long period, possibly extending beyond our lifetimes, and is not guaranteed to happen within the current human condition.