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She was carrying an armful of Bibles for her class, and…

“She was carrying an armful of Bibles for her class, and such was her view of life that events which produced heartache in others wrought beatific smiles upon her - an enviable result, although, in the opinion of Angel, it was obtained by a curiously unnatural sacrifice of humanity to mysticism.” quote by Thomas Hardy
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““She was carrying an armful of Bibles for her class, and such was her view of life that events which produced heartache in others wrought beatific smiles upon her - an enviable result, although, in the opinion of Angel, it was obtained by a curiously unnatural sacrifice of humanity to mysticism.””

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

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

A woman’s extreme devotion to mysticism yields happiness for her, but at the cost of humanity, implying that extreme sacrifice may be unnatural.

In simple terms: Extreme devotion can bring joy but dehumanize.

Key Takeaway

Seek balance between faith and humanity.

Themes

faith sacrifice humanity

Mood

contemplative somber

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • spiritual practice
  • ethical dilemmas
  • personal sacrifice

Key Concepts

mysticism personal fulfillment

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is sacrifice worth losing humanity?
  • How to maintain empathy while pursuing ideals?
A Different Perspective

Excessive mysticism may erode empathy.

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