I do not believe in Belief. But this is an Age of Faith, and there are so many militant creeds that, in self defence, one has to formulate a creed of one's own. Tolerance, good temper and sympathy are no longer enough in a world where ignorance rules, and Science, which ought to have ruled, plays the pimp. Tolerance, good temper and sympathy - they are what matter really, and if the human race is not to collapse they must come to the front before long.
More from E. M. Forster
Two Cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism. Two cheers are quite enough: there is no occasion to give three.
Permalink to quote #34 There lies at the back of every creed something terrible and hard for which the worshipper may one day be required to suffer.
Permalink to quote #36 I believe in aristocracy... - if that is the right word, and if a democrat may use it. Not an aristocracy of power... but... of the sensitive, the considerate.…
Permalink to quote #33