Matters of religion should never be matters of controversy. We neither argue with a lover about his taste, nor condemn him, if we are just, for knowing so human a passion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Religious beliefs are personal like taste, so arguing about them is disrespectful.
- In plain terms
- Don't fight with others about their faith like you wouldn't fight about their food.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect personal beliefs as you respect personal taste.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you draw the line on respecting beliefs?
- How do you discuss faith without arguing?
Another view
It may discourage necessary ethical critique of harmful beliefs.
More from George Santayana
The God to whom depth in philosophy bring back men's minds is far from being the same from whom a little philosophy estranges them.
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