Catholic Quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
“You do not mean by mystery what a Catholic does. You mean an interesting uncertainty: the uncertainty ceasing interest ceases also… But a Catholic by mystery means an incomprehensible certainty: without certainty, without formulation there is no interest;... the clearer the formulation the greater the interest.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Wreck of the Deutschland, 1877
The quote contrasts two ways of relating to mystery: one as an intriguing uncertainty that fuels curiosity, and the other as a fixed certainty that can diminish interest.
In simple terms: Uncertainty sparks interest; certainty can stifle it.
Key Takeaway
Embrace open‑ended questions.
Themes
philosophy
faith
curiosity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- academic discussion
- personal belief exploration
- creative writing
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
epistemology
theology
paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How does uncertainty shape your creative process?
- When does certainty become a barrier?
A Different Perspective
A rigid certainty may limit deeper inquiry.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
![“Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.” quote by Benedict of Nursia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2f/benedict-of-nursia-29376_catholic_girded-with-faith-and-the-performance-of_6463.jpg)
