But not more than what’s in the Bible, Aunt,” said Dinah…
““But not more than what’s in the Bible, Aunt,” said Dinah. “Yes, and the Bible too, for that matter,” Mrs. Poyser rejoined, rather sharply; “else why shouldn’t them as know best what’s in the Bible — the parsons and people as have got nothing to do but learn it — do the same as you do? But, for the matter o’ that, if everybody was to do like you, the world must come to a standstill; for if everybody tried to do without house and home, and with poor eating and drinking, and was allays talking as we must despise the things o’ the world as you say, I should like to know where the pick o’ the stock, and the corn, and the best new-milk cheeses ‘ud have to go. Everybody ‘ud be wanting bread made o’ tail ends and everybody ‘ud be running after everybody else to preach to ‘em, istead o’ bringing up their families, and laying by against a bad harvest. It stands to sense as that can’t be the right religion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Blind adherence to scripture without practical wisdom leads to stagnation; balance faith with reason and daily needs.
In simple terms: Follow faith, but stay practical.
Key Takeaway
Balance belief with reality.
Themes
faith
pragmatism
society
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family planning
- community resource management
- ethical decision making
- policy development
Key Concepts
religious literalism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical limits should faith respect?
- How can belief inspire action without causing harm?
A Different Perspective
Strict literalism may ignore human necessities.