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For them it's out-of-date and outmoded to perform…

“For them it's out-of-date and outmoded to perform miracles; teaching the people is too like hard work, interpreting the holy scriptures is for schoolmen and praying is a waste of time; to shed tears is weak and womanish, to be needy is degrading; to suffer defeat is a disgrace and hardly fitting…” quote by Desiderius Erasmus
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“For them it's out-of-date and outmoded to perform miracles; teaching the people is too like hard work, interpreting the holy scriptures is for schoolmen and praying is a waste of time; to shed tears is weak and womanish, to be needy is degrading; to suffer defeat is a disgrace and hardly fitting for one who scarcely permits the greatest of kings to kiss the toes of his sacred feet; and finally, death is an unattractive prospect, and dying on a cross would be an ignominious end.”

Desiderius Erasmus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Critiques rigid religious practices and the devaluation of emotional expression, urging authenticity.

In simple terms: Questioning outdated rituals and gendered expectations.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine belief over empty rituals.

Themes

religion gender authenticity

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal faith
  • social reform
  • gender equality
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

humanism critique of tradition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What rituals feel authentic to you?
  • How can faith be both personal and communal?
A Different Perspective

May overlook the comfort some find in tradition.

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