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What I now heard so graphically at first-hand, though it was really no more than a detailed confirmation of what my uncle had written, excited me afresh; for I felt sure that I was on the track of a very real, very secret, and very ancient religion whose discovery would make me an anthropologist of note. My attitude was still one of absolute materialism, as l wish it still were, and I discounted with almost inexplicable perversity the coincidence of the dream notes and odd cuttings collected by Professor Angell.

H. P. Lovecraft#65

ResearchBeliefReligionSkepticism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The narrator is excited by new clues about an ancient religion but doubts the supernatural.
In plain terms
I want to find a secret religion but I do not believe in magic.
What can you take from it?
Curiosity can drive us despite skepticism.

Where it applies

  • researching history
  • investigating mysteries
  • writing academic work

Putting it to work

  • collecting notes
  • interviewing sources
  • studying myths

Questions to consider

  • What evidence would change your mind?
  • How do you balance doubt and hope?

Another view

Personal bias might prevent seeing the truth.

More from H. P. Lovecraft

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  3. No book had ever really hinted of it, though the deathless Chinamen said that there were double meanings in the Necronomicon of the mad Arab Abdul Alhazred whi…

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