Effort Quote by H. L. Mencken
“Theology is the effort to explain the unknowable in terms of the not worth knowing.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Mercury, 1925
Human attempts to explain the mysterious often focus on trivial details, missing deeper truths.
In simple terms: Explain the unknowable, avoid trivialities.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper meaning beyond surface explanations.
Themes
philosophy
skepticism
knowledge
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- daily conversations
- media analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
epistemology
meaninglessness
Questions to Reflect On
- What do we ignore when we focus on the unimportant?
- How can we balance curiosity with humility?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on trivial details can obscure true understanding.
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