Conscience Quote by George MacDonald
“When we understand the outside of things, we think we have them. Yet the Lord puts his things in subdefined, suggestive shapes, yielding no satisfactory meaning to the mere intellect, but unfolding themselves to the conscience and heart.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Phantastes by George MacDonald, 1858
Human intellect grasps superficial forms, but deeper truth is felt by heart and conscience, not logical analysis.
In simple terms: Understanding is limited to surface; true meaning is felt, not reasoned.
Key Takeaway
Seek feeling over mere analysis.
Themes
spirituality
perception
faith
intuition
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- art interpretation
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
metaphysics
symbolism
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance reason with feeling?
- What shapes reveal deeper truth beyond logic?
A Different Perspective
Intellect alone cannot capture divine mystery.
![“I wish I had [made that song]. No, I don't That would be to take it from somebody else. But it's mine for all that.' 'What makes it yours?' 'I love it so.' 'Does loving a thing make it yours?' 'I think so, Mother -- at least more than anything else can. . . . Love makes the only myness,' said…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/722/george-macdonald-295_love_i-wish-i-had-made-that-song-no-i-don-t-t_35103.jpg)
