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How often the priest had heard the same confession--Man…

“How often the priest had heard the same confession--Man was so limited: he hadn't even the ingenuity to invent a new vice: the animals knew as much. It was for this world that Christ had died: the more evil you saw and heard about you, the greater the glory lay around the death; it was too easy to…” quote by Graham Greene
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“How often the priest had heard the same confession--Man was so limited: he hadn't even the ingenuity to invent a new vice: the animals knew as much. It was for this world that Christ had died: the more evil you saw and heard about you, the greater the glory lay around the death; it was too easy to die for what was good or beautiful, for home or children or civilization--it needed a God to die for the half-hearted and the corrupt.”

Graham Greene

About This Quote

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

Human nature repeats sins; true virtue requires sacrifice beyond comfort.

In simple terms: People repeat sins; real virtue needs sacrifice.

Key Takeaway

Seek purpose beyond ease.

Themes

morality faith human nature

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • spiritual crisis
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

sacrifice existentialism corruption

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to die for the half‑hearted?
  • Can true goodness exist without cost?
A Different Perspective

Even sacrifice can be hollow without sincere intent.

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