The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
The revival in religion will be a rhetorical problem - new persuasive words for defaced or degraded ones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that revitalizing religion requires finding new, compelling language to replace tired and misused terms.
Thornton Wilder's quote emphasizes the importance of language in the spiritual revival. It implies that as religious concepts become worn out or corrupted over time, it is crucial to develop fresh and persuasive rhetoric that can better resonate with people and reinvigorate their connection to religion. Effective communication is key to making old ideas relevant and engaging in a contemporary context.
Themes
ReligionLanguageRhetoricRevivalPersuasion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on community building, one might say, 'As Thornton Wilder noted, the revival in religion will be a rhetorical problem, urging us to find new ways to express our beliefs.'
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Thornton WilderRead
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
Thornton WilderRead
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Thornton WilderRead
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
Thornton WilderRead
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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