England Quote by Marilynne Robinson
![“I had been reading about [John] Calvin for years and had been studying the English Renaissance for many more years, and it had never occurred to me to think of them together. I learned that Calvin was the most widely read writer in England in Shakespeare's lifetime. He was translated and published…” quote by Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e10/marilynne-robinson-602_england_i-had-been-reading-about-john-calvin-for_671043.jpg)
“I had been reading about [John] Calvin for years and had been studying the English Renaissance for many more years, and it had never occurred to me to think of them together. I learned that Calvin was the most widely read writer in England in Shakespeare's lifetime. He was translated and published in many editions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Givenness of Things by Marilynne Robinson, 2019
The author reflects on unexpected connections between Calvin’s writings and the English Renaissance, highlighting overlooked historical intersections.
In simple terms: Unexpected links between Calvin and English Renaissance.
Key Takeaway
Explore hidden connections in history.
Themes
history
literature
interdisciplinary
discovery
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- teaching
- personal study
- public talks
Key Concepts
cultural exchange
influence
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- What other overlooked influences might exist?
- How can interdisciplinary study reshape our understanding?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on canonical narratives can obscure such links.
![“The classic theology of my tradition comes from the French Renaissance. [William] Shakespeare was born in 1564, the year [John] Calvin died, and that theology was very influential in England in his lifetime. I think Shakespeare was attentive to questions raised by it, about human nature, history…” quote by Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f9f/marilynne-robinson-602_born_the-classic-theology-of-my-tradition-com_3125577.jpg)
![“Reading [John] Calvin is a breath of fresh air.” quote by Oliver D. Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e14/oliver-d-crisp-12863_air_reading-john-calvin-is-a-breath-of-fresh_529860.jpg)
![“[John Calvin] writes clearly, directly, without artifice, and gets straight to the practical heart of the matter.” quote by Oliver D. Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/872/oliver-d-crisp-12863_artifice_john-calvin-writes-clearly-directly-with_309224.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
