Common sense Quote by William Robertson Smith
“But if it not be true, the myth itself requires to be explained, and every principle of philosophy and common sense demand that the explanation be sought, not in arbitrary allegorical categories, but in the actual facts of ritual or religious custom to which the myth attaches.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Religion of the Romans, William Robertson Smith, 1884
Myths must be explained by actual rituals and customs, not by vague allegories, because philosophy and common sense demand factual grounding.
In simple terms: Explain myths using real practices, not abstract stories.
Key Takeaway
Seek concrete evidence for myths.
Themes
mythology
ritual
philosophy
epistemology
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
explanatory
scholarly
When to use this quote
- academic research
- religious studies
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
cultural anthropology
symbolic analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do rituals shape myth meaning?
- When is allegory useful?
A Different Perspective
Myths may have symbolic meanings beyond literal facts.
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