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I said to him one day that the very slender reward which…

“I said to him one day that the very slender reward which God had attached to the pursuit of serious inquiry was a sufficient proof that He disapproved of it, or at any rate that he did not set much store by it nor wish to encourage it.” quote by Samuel Butler
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““I said to him one day that the very slender reward which God had attached to the pursuit of serious inquiry was a sufficient proof that He disapproved of it, or at any rate that he did not set much store by it nor wish to encourage it.””

Samuel Butler

About This Quote

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

The quote critiques the idea that serious inquiry is undervalued by divine or societal standards, implying that seeking knowledge is seen as undesirable.

In simple terms: Serious inquiry is portrayed as disfavored by higher powers.

Key Takeaway

Value curiosity despite opposition.

Themes

knowledge inquiry authority faith

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • scientific research
  • personal growth
  • religious debate

Key Concepts

skepticism philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why might societies discourage deep questioning?
  • Can faith and inquiry coexist?
A Different Perspective

It assumes a monolithic divine stance, overlooking diverse theological views.

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