--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: May I make two citations from the words…" description: "\"May I make two citations from the words of a discerning editorial writer, not one of my faith, but one of much faith: \"If we neglect the divine . . . a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ead/richard-l-evans-9573_calm_may-i-make-two-citations-from-the-words_970420.jpg" --- # May I make two citations from the words of a discerning… ![“May I make two citations from the words of a discerning editorial writer, not one of my faith, but one of much faith: "If we neglect the divine . . . and give ourselves over wholly to the human," he said, "we may certainly count upon nothing but the triumph of pessimism. . . . True optimism must…” quote by Richard L. Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ead/richard-l-evans-9573_calm_may-i-make-two-citations-from-the-words_970420.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ead/richard-l-evans-9573_calm_may-i-make-two-citations-from-the-words_970420.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ead/richard-l-evans-9573_calm_may-i-make-two-citations-from-the-words_970420.jpg) > “May I make two citations from the words of a discerning editorial writer, not one of my faith, but one of much faith: "If we neglect the divine . . . and give ourselves over wholly to the human," he said, "we may certainly count upon nothing but the triumph of pessimism. . . . True optimism must rest upon a calm, unshakable faith in eternal life and in the unlimited goodness of him who gives it."” [Richard L. Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-l-evans/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker argues that neglecting divine belief leads to pessimism, while true optimism requires steadfast faith in eternal life and divine goodness. **In simple terms:** Divine faith prevents pessimism; optimism needs unshakable belief. Key Takeaway Cultivate deep spiritual faith for lasting hope. Themes faith optimism spirituality philosophy Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal crisis - community counseling - theological study - ethical decision-making Key Concepts theism existential meaning hope theory Questions to Reflect On - What role does faith play in personal resilience? - Can optimism exist without religious belief? A Different Perspective The view may not resonate with secular perspectives or those of different faiths. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Calm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/calm/) [Citations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/citations/) [Divine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/divine/) [Divinity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/divinity/) [Eternal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eternal/) [Eternal life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eternal-life/) [Eternity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eternity/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Goodness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goodness/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Neglect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/neglect/) [Optimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimism/) [Pessimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimism/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Triumph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/triumph/) [Unshakable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unshakable/) [Unshakable faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unshakable-faith/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Suffering did different things to different people...Some souls became tempered, unshakable in their faith, while others became twisted and mis-shapen, throwing off all connection…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naomi-ragen/suffering-did-different-things-to-different-people-some-souls-became/) [Naomi Ragen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naomi-ragen/) > [You are equipped with strong bodies and educated minds. 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