Human nature Quote by George MacDonald
““entrance of the Rev. Clement Sclater -- the minister of her parish, recently appointed. He was a man between young and middle-aged, an honest fellow, zealous to perform the duties of his office, but with notions of religion very beggarly. How could it be otherwise when he knew far more of what he called the Divine decrees than he did of his own heart, or the needs and miseries of human nature?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Lost World” by George MacDonald, 1868
A clergyman’s superficial piety masks deeper spiritual ignorance.
In simple terms: Priest knows doctrine but not his heart.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine humility.
Themes
religion
hypocrisy
self‑knowledge
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- pastoral counseling
- personal reflection
- ethical leadership
Key Concepts
spirituality
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true humility look like?
- How can leaders align belief and action?
A Different Perspective
It may generalize clergy.
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