Missionaries, whether of philosophy or religion, rarely…
“Missionaries, whether of philosophy or religion, rarely make rapid way, unless their preachings fall in with the prepossessions ofthe multitude of shallow thinkers, or can be made to serve as a stalking-horse for the promotion of the practical aims of the still larger multitude, who do not profess to think much, but are quite certain they want a great deal.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Missionaries succeed when their messages align with popular shallow beliefs or serve broader practical agendas.
In simple terms: Missionaries thrive by fitting popular ideas or serving larger goals.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess underlying motives.
Themes
religion
philosophy
influence
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
sociological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- community outreach
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
social engineering
cultural transmission
political utility
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives missionary success?
- How can genuine belief be distinguished from utility?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex motives.