The essence of the quote emphasizes that gods or divine entities are constructs of human thought. They are created by people to help make sense of life's mysteries and the unpredictable nature of existence. These concepts serve to provide meaning and purpose, especially when faced with baffling events in nature or irrational human behaviors.

Furthermore, Tuchman argues that the concept of the divine becomes essential in dealing with complexities and challenges that seem beyond human understanding. It highlights humanity's deep-rooted need to ascribe meaning to experiences, particularly when confronting the inexplicable or chaotic aspects of life.