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About this quote

What does it mean?
Feeling confident about another's religion reveals the folly of assuming one's own belief is superior, urging humility and self‑questioning.
In plain terms
Assuming another's faith is right shows my own faith may be flawed.
What can you take from it?
Question your own beliefs as you do others'.

Where it applies

  • interfaith dialogue
  • personal belief examination

Putting it to work

  • practicing empathetic listening
  • examining personal biases

Questions to consider

  • What assumptions do you hold about your own beliefs?
  • How can you foster respectful religious dialogue?

Another view

Confidence in another's belief can also stem from genuine conviction, not just folly.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.

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  2. You tell me whar a man gits his corn pone, en I'll tell you what his 'pinions is.

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  3. I have been complimented many times and they always embarrass me; I always feel that they have not said enough.

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