The main object of religion is not to get a man into heaven, but to get heaven into him.

Thomas Hardy’s quote, "The main object of religion is not to get a man into heaven, but to get heaven into him," offers a profound perspective on the true purpose of religion. Hardy suggests that the goal of religious practice is not about securing a place in the afterlife, but about transforming the individual from within. Instead of focusing solely on the promise of heaven as a future destination, Hardy believes that religion's real purpose is to cultivate spirituality, virtue, and inner peace in the present life, shaping one’s character and heart.

The phrase "get heaven into him" emphasizes an internal transformation rather than an external reward. Hardy’s view challenges the conventional belief that salvation is a matter of simply following religious rules or securing entry into a paradise after death. Instead, he argues that the true essence of religion is about personal growth, moral development, and bringing the qualities of heaven, such as love, compassion, and peace, into one's everyday life. It is a call for a spiritual awakening that shapes a person’s actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.

Hardy, known for his works that often explore the complexities of human existence, questioned conventional religious beliefs and institutional practices. This quote reflects his more humanistic approach to religion, where the focus is on personal transformation and living a life aligned with spiritual values, rather than simply adhering to dogma or seeking an afterlife reward. For Hardy, religion is not a means to an end, but a way to cultivate inner harmony and a connection to something greater than oneself in the here and now.

In essence, this quote serves as a reminder that the power of religion lies in its capacity to inspire change within individuals. Rather than looking outward for divine intervention or future rewards, we are encouraged to look inward and bring the principles of heaven—peace, love, and joy—into our own lives, making them real and present in the way we live every day.