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'I'm afraid I'm a practical man,' said the doctor with gruff humour, 'and I don't bother much about religion and philosophy.' 'You'll never be a practical man till you do,' said Father Brown. 'Look here, doctor; you know me pretty well; I think you know I'm not a bigot. You know I know there are all sorts in all religions; good men in bad ones and bad men in good ones.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton#171

PhilosophyReligionFaithLifeWisdomActionPracticality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Practicality often requires engaging with philosophy and religion.
In plain terms
You need philosophy and religion to be truly practical.
What can you take from it?
Real practicality needs deep thought on life.

Where it applies

  • career advice
  • personal growth
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • study philosophy
  • apply wisdom

Questions to consider

  • How do you define practical?
  • Does faith help practicality?

Another view

Some tasks are practical without deep theory.

More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton

  1. All things are from God; and above all, reason and imagination and the great gifts of the mind. They are good in themselves; and we must not altogether forget …

    Permalink to quote #170
  2. Yet he is right enough about there being a white magic, if he only knows where to look for it.

    Permalink to quote #172
  3. He had the notion that because I am a clergyman I should believe anything. Many people have little notions of that kind.

    Permalink to quote #169

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