Capable Quote by William Gaddis
“He was doing missionary work. But from the outset he had little success in convincing his charges of their responsibility for a sin committed at the beginning of creation, one which, as they understood it, they were ready and capable (indeed, they carried charms to assure it) of duplicating themselves. He did no better convincing them that a man had died on a tree to save them all: an act which one old Indian, if Gwyon had translated correctly, regarded as "rank presumption".”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Recognitions, 1955
He describes a missionary’s failure to convince people of original sin, highlighting cultural misunderstandings and resistance.
In simple terms: A missionary can’t persuade people about ancient sins due to cultural gaps.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural context in communication.
Themes
religion
culture
communication
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analysis
philosophical
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- media messaging
Key Concepts
theology
anthropology
misinterpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one bridge cultural gaps?
- What strategies improve cross‑cultural persuasion?
A Different Perspective
Deeply rooted beliefs may resist rational arguments.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
