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Now the faith is old and the Devil bold Exceedingly bold indeed. And the masses of doubt that are floating about Would smother a mortal creed. But we that sit in a sturdy youth And still can drink strong ale Let us put it away to infallible truth That always shall prevail. And thank the Lord For the temporal sword And howling heretics too. And all good things Our Christendom brings But especially barley brew!

Hilaire Belloc#18

CultureFaithDoubtReligionYouth

About this quote

What does it mean?
The poem celebrates youthful vigor and strong ale as a defense against doubt and heresy, trusting in an infallible truth.
In plain terms
Youthful strength and ale protect truth from doubt.
What can you take from it?
Use vigor and community to uphold convictions.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • debates

Putting it to work

  • share a drink
  • affirm beliefs

Questions to consider

  • How does camaraderie influence belief?

Another view

Overemphasis on tradition can suppress critical thinking.

More from Hilaire Belloc

  1. Pale Ebenezer thought it wrong to fight, But Roaring Bill (who killed him) thought it right.

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. The world is full of double beds And most delightful maidenheads, Which being so, there's no excuse For sodomy or self-abuse.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. Oh! let us never, never doubt What nobody is sure about!

    Permalink to quote #16

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