Dreams Quote by Edward Gibbon
““A state of scepticism and suspense may amuse a few inquisitive minds. But the practice of superstition is so congenial to the multitude, that if they are forcibly awakened, they still regret the loss of their pleasing vision. Their love of the marvellous and supernatural, their curiosity with regard to future events, and their strong propensity to extend their hopes and fears beyond the limits of the visible world, were the principal causes which favoroud the establishment of Polytheism. So urgent on the vulgar is the necessity of believing, that the fall of any system of mythology will most probably be succeeded by the introduction of some other mode of superstition. (...) an object much less deserving would have been sufficient to fill the vacant place in their hearts.””
About This Quote
Superstition thrives when people seek meaning beyond the visible, and new beliefs replace old ones when they fall.
In simple terms: People cling to supernatural explanations; new myths replace old ones.
Key Takeaway
Encourage critical thinking over blind belief.
Themes
belief
mythology
human nature
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- religious shifts
- political propaganda
- media narratives
- personal crises
Key Concepts
psychology
cultural evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies turn to new myths?
- How can skepticism be fostered constructively?
A Different Perspective
Superstition can provide comfort despite lacking evidence.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/338/edward-gibbon-710_byzantine_in-the-national-and-religious-conflict-o_29382.jpg)
![“[Every] hour of delay abates the fame and force of the invader, and multiplies the resources of defensive war.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4de/edward-gibbon-710_delay_every-hour-of-delay-abates-the-fame-and_94668.jpg)
