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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author suggests that holiness is not inherent but created by human belief.
In plain terms
Things become holy only because people believe they are.
What can you take from it?
Belief creates holiness.

Where it applies

  • spiritual discussion
  • religious studies

Putting it to work

  • reflect on beliefs
  • critique religious dogma

Questions to consider

  • Is there objective holiness?
  • How do beliefs shape reality?

Another view

It dismisses the idea that holiness exists independently of human opinion.

More from Ernest Renan

  1. Communism is in conflict with human nature.

    Permalink to quote #11
  2. Religion is not a popular error; it is a great instinctive truth, sensed by the people, expressed by the people.

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. All the great things of humanity have been accomplished in the name of absolute principles.

    Permalink to quote #10

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