Superstition! that horrid incubus which dwelt in darkness…
“Superstition! that horrid incubus which dwelt in darkness, shunning the light, with all its racks, and poison chalices, and foul sleeping draughts, is passing away without return. Religion cannot pass away. The burning of a little straw may hide the stars of the sky; but the stars are there and will reappear.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Superstition fades, but religion endures; hidden truths persist despite attempts to obscure them.
In simple terms: Religion outlasts superstition.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper truths beyond surface beliefs.
Themes
faith
superstition
truth
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- cultural analysis
- personal belief
- historical perspective
Key Concepts
philosophy
religious persistence
Questions to Reflect On
- What core beliefs survive societal change?
- How do we distinguish myth from enduring truth?
A Different Perspective
Superstition can still influence behavior even when dismissed.