We are used to discounting the river-gods and dryads of…
“We are used to discounting the river-gods and dryads of the Greeks as poetical fancies, and even the chief figures in the classical Pantheon-Venus, Minerva, Mars, and the rest-as allegories. But, forgetting that they once carried as much sanctity as our saints and divinities, we refrain from applying the same reasoning to our own objects of worship.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We treat ancient deities as myths while still venerating modern institutions, revealing a double standard in how we assign sacredness.
In simple terms: We mythologize old gods but not new idols.
Key Takeaway
Question what we truly revere.
Themes
mythology
secularism
cognitive bias
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- political parties
- consumer brands
- technology
- celebrity culture
Key Concepts
iconoclasm
cultural critique
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Which contemporary “gods” deserve reverence?
- How does myth shape modern values?
A Different Perspective
Critique may overlook genuine spiritual experiences.