Be good Quote by Owen Wister
“I reckon some parsons have a right to tell yu' to be good. The bishop of this hyeh Territory has a right. But I'll tell yu' this: a middlin' doctor is a pore thing, and a middlin' lawyer is a pore thing; but keep me from a middlin' man of God.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Virginian by Owen Wister, 1902
Social hierarchy grants authority to certain professions, but the speaker distrusts religious authority more than legal or medical.
In simple terms: People trust doctors and lawyers, but fear religious leaders.
Key Takeaway
Question authority of religious figures.
Themes
authority
skepticism
religion
Mood
skeptical
critical
thoughtful
Type
advice
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- seeking advice
- community leadership
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
trust
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept guidance from religious leaders?
- How do you evaluate authority in different fields?
A Different Perspective
Religious authority can be misused despite other professions' flaws.
