Aspire Quote by William Hazlitt
“A full-dressed ecclesiastic is a sort of go-cart of divinity; an ethical automaton. A clerical prig is, in general, a very dangerous as well as contemptible character. The utmost that those who thus habitually confound their opinions and sentiments with the outside coverings of their bodies can aspire to, is a negative and neutral character, like wax-work figures, where the dress is done as much to the life as the man, and where both are respectable pieces of pasteboard, or harmless compositions of fleecy hosiery.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Spirit of the Age", 1815
Critiques superficial religiosity and moral hypocrisy, likening it to a hollow costume that masks emptiness.
In simple terms: Religious showiness hides lack of substance.
Key Takeaway
Beware empty appearances.
Themes
hypocrisy
religion
authenticity
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal reflection
- public speaking
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What masks your true self?
- How do appearances affect trust?
A Different Perspective
Such critique may overlook sincere believers.
![“The clerical system of church management is exceedingly popular, but the whole thought is foreign to Scripture. In a church all the members are active. He [God] appointed some to take oversight of the work so that it might be carried on efficiently. It was never His thought that the majority of…” quote by Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d1/watchman-nee-1561_active_the-clerical-system-of-church-management_802633.jpg)
