Chapter 573 of 653

The Dim Religious Light

The Note-Books of Samuel Butler · Samuel Butler

A light cannot be religious if it is not dim.  Religion belongs to the twilight of our thoughts, just as business of all kinds to their full daylight.  So a picture which may be impressive while seen in a dark light will not hold its own in a bright one.

The Greeks and Romans did not enquire into the evidences on which their belief that Minerva sprang full-armed from the brain of Jupiter was based.  If they had written books of evidences to show how certainly it all happened, &c.—well, I suppose if they had had an endowed Church with some considerable prizes, they would have found means to hoodwink the public.

Search Linden

Find books, guides and ideas

Search titles, authors, English levels, reading goals, subjects, idea hubs, paths and chapter titles. Results explain why they matched. Press / anywhere.