to condense all the chaos and mystery of the world

Ah, you say, this is all in your mind.  And you are right to be skeptical; I expect no less.  It is in my mind, which I have acknowledged from the beginning is a less than perfect instrument.  But this is what appears to be the purpose of my mind, and no doubt yours as well, its designated function beyond all mundane calculations: to condense all the chaos and mystery of the world into a palpable Other or Others, not necessarily because we love it, and certainly not out of any intention to “worship” it.  But because ultimately we may have no choice in this matter.  I have the impression, growing out of the experiences chronicled here, that it may be seeking us out.

– Barbara Ehrenreich, Living with a Wild God