Let nothing of the truths that have been defined be lessened, nothing altered, nothing added, but let them be preserved intact in word and in meaning.
Pope Gregory XviRead
We are here speaking in open disapproval of that false system of philosophy, not so long ago introduced, by which, because of an extended and unbridled desire of novelty, truth is not sought where it truly resides, and, with a disregard for the holy and apostolic traditions, other vain, futile, uncertain doctrines, not approved by the Church are accepted as true, on which very vain men mistakenly think that truth itself is supported and sustained.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote criticizes a philosophy that prioritizes new ideas over established truths and traditions.
Pope Gregory XVI expresses disapproval of a philosophical trend that values novelty over the pursuit of genuine truth. He warns against the abandonment of traditional teachings and the acceptance of unproven doctrines, highlighting how this can lead to misguided beliefs. The quote emphasizes the importance of adhering to established truths and traditions to maintain a proper understanding of reality.
Themes
TruthPhilosophyTraditionNoveltyBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about education reforms, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of maintaining traditional values.
More from Pope Gregory Xvi
All quotes →Similar quotes
Human affairs are so obscure and various that nothing can be clearly known.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
All of us have not been to a natural prison, but everybody in here has had a spiritual prison.
T. D. JakesRead
The author of the Gospel of Judas wasn't against martyrdom, and he didn't ever insult the martyrs. He said it's one thing to die for God if you have to do that. But it's another thing to say that's what God wants, that this is a glorification of God.
Elaine PagelsRead
If we never arrived anywhere, it did not matter. Between that earth and that sky i felt erased, blotted out. I did not say my prayers that night: here, i felt what would be would be.
Willa CatherRead
Each act is virgin, even the repeated ones.
Rene CharRead
Public money ought to be touched with the most scrupulous conscientiousness of honor. It is not the produce of riches only, but of the hard earnings of labor and poverty. It is drawn even from the bitterness of want and misery. Not a beggar passes, or perishes in the streets, whose mite is not in that mass.
Thomas PaineRead