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Miss Frobisher smiles, with little cause that I know of. If Jesus of Nazareth had had before him the example of Miss Frobisher getting through the Latin degree papers of the London University Examinations Board he wouldn't have had to fall back on camels and the eyes of needles, and Miss Frobisher's name would be a delightful surprise to encounter in Matthew, Chapter 19; as would, even more surprisingly, the London University Examinations Board. Your name is not Miss Frobisher? What is your name? Miss Burton. I'm very sorry. I stand corrected. If Jesus of Nazareth had had before him the example of Miss Burton getting through the... Oh, dear, I hope it is not I who have made you cry.

Tom Stoppard#44

HumorEducationIronyEffortReligionSuccess

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About this quote

What does it mean?
A teacher compares an academic's achievement to religious miracles, implying mundane tasks can be just as miraculous.
In plain terms
Getting through papers is as hard as miracles, so Jesus would have been impressed.
What can you take from it?
Ordinary achievements can be as significant as miracles.

Where it applies

  • discussing academic effort
  • comparing achievements
  • questioning religious claims

Putting it to work

  • valuing mundane effort
  • questioning miracles
  • appreciating hard work

Questions to consider

  • Are academic achievements miraculous?
  • Is effort as holy as faith?

Another view

The comparison trivializes genuine spiritual belief.

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