Clergy Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“It is remarkable that among all the preachers there are so few moral teachers. The prophets are employed in excusing the ways of men.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Civil Disobedience”, 1849
Many religious leaders preach but few teach true morality; prophets often justify human behavior rather than challenge it.
In simple terms: Preachers often lack moral guidance; prophets may excuse wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Seek moral teachers beyond mere preaching.
Themes
morality
religion
criticism
prophecy
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- community discussions
- ethical education
- media analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
social critique
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- What distinguishes a moral teacher from a preacher?
- How can we hold prophets accountable?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that all preachers aim to guide morally.
![“The law for religious freedom... [has]put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/thomas-jefferson-43_aristocracy_the-law-for-religious-freedom-has-put-do_60865.jpg)
![“There exists indeed an opposition to it [ building of UVA, Jefferson's secular college ] by the friends of William and Mary, which is not strong. The most restive is that of the priests of the different religious sects, who dread the advance of science as witches do the approach of day-light; and…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74e/thomas-jefferson-43_clergy_there-exists-indeed-an-opposition-to-it_137072.jpg)
