Religion, n. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Religion is described as a blend of hope and fear that tries to explain unknown things to those who do not understand.
- In plain terms
- Religion mixes hope and fear to explain mysteries to ignorant people.
- What can you take from it?
- Religion addresses human curiosity through emotion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do emotions shape belief?
- Is religion just a way to cope with uncertainty?
Another view
It reduces complex spiritual experiences to mere emotional reactions.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Rational, adj. Devoid of all delusions save those of observation, experience and reflection.
Permalink to quote #73 Resign, v. To renounce an honor for an advantage. To renounce an advantage for a greater advantage.
Permalink to quote #75 Quotation, n. The act of repeating erroneously the words of another. The words erroneously repeated.
Permalink to quote #72
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