The Papacy is not other than the Ghost of the deceased Roman Empire, sitting crowned upon the grave thereof.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that the Papacy stands as a continuation of the historical power of the Roman Empire, symbolizing its lingering influence.
Thomas Hobbes articulates the idea that the Papacy, as a religious institution, embodies the residual authority of the Roman Empire. He implies that the Church holds a commanding position over society, much like the Empire did in its prime, thus representing not only a religious authority but a political one that continues to shape governance and culture in its wake.
In practice
In a discussion about the role of the Church in society, this quote can highlight the historical impact of religious institutions.
Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.
For it is not the shape, but their use, that makes them angels.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
The misuse of language induces evil in the soul.
In an asana, the mind has to reach inside the body to find a quiet space until a point comes where perfect balance is felt. If the mind is wandering while practicing, then one is not fully present, and there can be no union. Involvement, interpenetratio n and insight are the required qualities for the practitioner.
A corporation is an artificial being, invisible, intangible, and existing only in contemplation of law.
Greek myths, early Roman history, is configured around violence against women. And I think we need to get in there, get our hands dirty, face it, and see why and how it was.
Here is a tree rooted in African soil, nourished with waters from the rivers of Afrika. Come and sit under its shade and become, with us, the leaves of the same branch and the branches of the same tree
For a man's counsel cannot have equal weight or worth, when he alone has no children to risk in the general danger.
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