Belief Quote by Shirley Jackson
““The question of belief is a curious one, partaking of the wonders of childhood and the blind hopefulness of the very old; in all the world there is not someone who does not believe something. It might be suggested, and not easily disproven that anything, no matter how exotic, can be believed by someone. On the other hand, abstract belief is largely impossible; it is the concrete, the actuality of the cup, the candle, the sacrificial stone, which hardens belief; the statue is nothing until it cries, the philosophy is nothing until the philosopher is martyred.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Haunting of Hill House” (1938) or essay collection; exact source unclear
Belief thrives on tangible experiences and narratives; abstract ideas need concrete symbols to become convincing.
In simple terms: Belief needs something real to hold onto.
Key Takeaway
Seek concrete examples to strengthen ideas.
Themes
belief
abstraction
human nature
psychology
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- religious rituals
- political propaganda
- personal convictions
- marketing slogans
Key Concepts
symbolism
faith
cognitive anchoring
Questions to Reflect On
- How do symbols shape what you accept as true?
- Can abstract ideas ever be as compelling as concrete ones?
A Different Perspective
Abstract concepts alone may fail to inspire true belief without relatable symbols.
