Let us, at least, dig and seek till we have discovered our…
““Let us, at least, dig and seek till we have discovered our own opinions. The dogmas we really hold are far more fantastic, and, perhaps, far more beautiful than we think. In the course of these essays I fear that I have spoken from time to time of rationalists and rationalism, and that in a disparaging sense. Being full of that kindliness which should come at the end of everything, even of a book, I apologize to the rationalists even for calling them rationalists. There are no rationalists. We all believe fairy-tales, and live in them. Some, with a sumptuous literary turn, believe in the existence of the lady clothed with the sun. Some, with a more rustic, elvish instinct, like Mr. McCabe, believe merely in the impossible sun itself. Some hold the undemonstrable dogma of the existence of God; some the equally undemonstrable dogma of the existence of the man next door.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human belief is shaped by imaginative myths; rationalism is itself a comforting story.
In simple terms: We all hold stories, rational or not, that give life meaning.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the mythic nature of all beliefs.
Themes
myth
belief
rationalism
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- creative writing
- philosophical debate
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
existentialism
literary imagination
faith
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What myths guide your life?
- Can rationalism coexist with imagination?
A Different Perspective
Rational critique may dismiss valuable emotional truths.