They were staggered to learn that a real tangible person…
““They were staggered to learn that a real tangible person, living in Minnesota, and married to their own flesh-and-blood relation, could apparently believe that divorce may not always be immoral; that illegitimate children do not bear any special and guaranteed form of curse; that there are ethical authorities outside of the Hebrew Bible; that men have drunk wine yet not died in the gutter; that the capitalistic system of distribution and the Baptist wedding-ceremony were not known in the Garden of Eden; that mushrooms are as edible as corn-beef hash; that the word "dude" is no longer frequently used; that there are Ministers of the Gospel who accept evolution; that some persons of apparent intelligence and business ability do not always vote the Republican ticket straight; that it is not a universal custom to wear scratchy flannels next the skin in winter; that a violin is not inherently more immoral than a chapel organ; that some poets do not have long hair; and that Jews are not always peddlers or pants-makers. "Where does she get all them theories?" marveled Uncle Whittier Smail; while Aunt Bessie inquired, "Do you suppose there's many folks got notions like hers? My! If there are," and her tone settled the fact that there were not, "I just don't know what the world's coming to!””
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 sat the bewilderment at someone holding many unconventional beliefs that clash with traditional expectations.
In simple terms: People can hold many surprising ideas that defy norms.
Key Takeaway
Accept diverse viewpoints.
Themes
conformity
beliefs
culture
surprise
identity
Mood
confused
curious
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- political debates
- educational settings
- media analysis
Key Concepts
social norms
cognitive dissonance
pluralism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate unconventional ideas?
- What influences shape our belief systems?
A Different Perspective
Some beliefs may be based on misinformation or lack of critical thinking.