"我々を救うことができるのは神だけだ"

The core idea here is that in moments of extreme crisis or when we've exhausted all human solutions, sometimes it feels like only a divine intervention can turn things around. It’s about reaching a point where our own abilities, resources, and wisdom have all failed, leaving us feeling utterly helpless.

This phrase gained particular notoriety from philosopher Martin Heidegger during a 1966 interview when he was reflecting on the state of the modern world. Heidegger was deeply concerned about the trajectory of technology and the resulting societal and environmental impact. He felt that humanity had ventured so far down a destructive path that only some form of divine help could rectify the situation.

Imagine you're watching a movie about a small town facing a catastrophic flood. The townspeople have tried everything—sandbags, makeshift dams, evacuations—but the water keeps rising. The town’s infrastructure is collapsing, and it seems inevitable that the entire town will be submerged. Amidst this chaos, a character might exclaim, "Only a god can save us now!" It’s that moment of raw vulnerability and admission of our limitations.

So, how do you apply this bit of wisdom in your life? First off, it doesn't mean you should sit back and wait for a miracle. Rather, it’s about recognizing when you’re at your limit and being open to sources of help you might not have considered before—whether that’s a higher power, the unexpected kindness of strangers, or simply a new perspective.

For instance, think about a time when you were overwhelmed with a problem that seemed insurmountable. Maybe it was a crippling debt, a failing relationship, or a career that had hit a dead end. You tried everything—budgeting, counseling, job hunting—but nothing worked. It’s at that point you might have thought, "I need a miracle."

Now, let’s bring it down to a relatable level. Imagine you're a small business owner, and your shop, which sells handmade crafts, is struggling to stay afloat. You’ve tried advertising, sales, cutting costs—everything. Each night, you lie awake worrying about the future. One day, while talking to a friend over coffee, you admit, "My shop's going under. Unless something miraculous happens, I’ll have to close."

Your friend listens and then shares a story about a local business that survived by pivoting online. You’re skeptical but desperate. So, you give it a shot. You start an online store, and to your surprise, it catches on. Orders come in from all over the country. It’s not a divine intervention, but it feels like a miracle to you.

The essence of "Only a god can save us" is about recognizing when human effort alone can’t solve a problem and being open to unexpected sources of help. It’s not about giving up; it’s about letting go of the illusion that you can control everything and being open to surprises. Sometimes, the help that saves us isn’t divine—it’s just something we couldn’t see until we let go of our grip a little.