It’s what I call common sense, properly understood,’…
““It’s what I call common sense, properly understood,’ replied Father Brown. ’It really is more natural to believe a preternatural story, that deals with things we don’t understand, than a natural story that contradicts things we do understand. Tell me that the great Mr Gladstone, in his last hours, was haunted by the ghost of Parnell, and I will be agnostic about it. But tell me that Mr Gladstone, when first presented to Queen Victoria, wore his hat in her drawing-room and slapped her on the back and offered her a cigar, and I am not agnostic at all. That is not impossible; it’s only incredible. But I’m much more certain it didn’t happen than that Parnell’s ghost didn’t appear; because it violates the laws of the world I do understand. So it is with that tale of the curse. It isn’t the legend that I disbelieve — it’s the history.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People accept supernatural explanations more readily than improbable natural events that contradict known facts.
In simple terms: We trust the supernatural over unlikely natural stories.
Key Takeaway
Question why certain narratives feel more plausible.
Themes
belief
logic
skepticism
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- debate
- education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
philosophy
religion
history
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does the supernatural seem more credible?
- How can we balance faith and reason?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on supernatural can hinder rational inquiry.