Piety Quote by Diane Johnson
““Well, their piety is more evolved,” said Mrs. Pace. “In America we have only two forms, as Matthew Arnold said: the bitter and the smug. In France, it appears, there is a third type, the worldly.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The World in the Evening by Diane Johnson, 1999
She contrasts American piety with French, noting a third, worldly type beyond bitter and smug.
In simple terms: American piety is bitter or smug; French adds worldly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural nuances in belief.
Themes
culture
religion
comparison
identity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- travel writing
- cultural analysis
- social commentary
Key Concepts
piety
evolution
national character
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you see these piety types in your own culture?
- Can a person embody more than one type?
A Different Perspective
The classification may oversimplify complex faith expressions.
