How marvelous it all is! Built not by saints and angels…
“How marvelous it all is! Built not by saints and angels, but the work of men's hands; cemented with men's honest blood and with a world of tears, welded by the best brains of centuries past; not without the taint and reproach incidental to all human work, but constructed on the whole with pure and splendid purpose. Human, and yet not wholly human -- for the most heedless and the most cynical must see the finger of the Divine.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human creations, though flawed, reflect divine purpose; even cynical observers can see a higher design.
In simple terms: Human work shows both flaws and divine purpose.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the divine aspect in human achievements.
Themes
humanism
divine purpose
imperfection
legacy
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- architecture
- art
- scientific discovery
- social progress
Key Concepts
philosophy
theology
history
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance acknowledging flaws with seeing higher purpose?
- What role does cynicism play in evaluating human work?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on divine purpose may overlook human suffering and injustice.