Native land Quote by Robertson Davies
““I wanted to get away,' said she; 'everybody wants to plague and worry me about nothing. They'll be all right tomorrow. What's worrying them?' 'They are sacrificing to our Canadian God,' said Solly. 'We all believe that if we fret and abuse ourselves sufficiently, Providence will take pity and smile upon anything we attempt. A light heart, or a consciousness of desert, attracts ill luck. You have been away from your native land too long. You have forgotten our folkways. Listen to that gang over there; they are scanning the heavens and hoping aloud that it won't rain tomorrow. That is to placate the Mean Old Man in the Sky, and persuade him to be kind to us.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Fifth Business, 1940
People seek to control fate through rituals and anxiety, believing suffering will earn divine favor, yet this creates more misfortune.
In simple terms: People think suffering pleases higher powers, but it often brings bad luck.
Key Takeaway
Question the belief that self‑inflicted hardship brings divine aid.
Themes
faith
ritual
culture
anxiety
fate
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
cultural
When to use this quote
- Everyday life
- personal crisis
- community gatherings
- cultural assimilation
- spiritual practices
Key Concepts
Superstition
psychology
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on rituals to feel safe?
- How might letting go of self‑punishment change outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Such rituals can reinforce helplessness and prevent proactive problem solving.
![“All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".” quote by John Flavel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58c/john-flavel-4295_christian_all-the-dark-intricate-puzzling-providen_333825.jpg)
