Blessed be his name, who hath appointed the quiet night to follow the busy day, and the calm sleep to refresh the wearied limbs and to compose the troubled spirit.
There is a vulgar incredulity, which in historical matters, as well as in those of religion, finds it easier to doubt than to examine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that people often choose to doubt rather than seek understanding, particularly in history and religion.
Walter Scott's quote reflects on the tendency of individuals to adopt a dismissive or cynical view towards complex topics like history and religion. Instead of engaging in thoughtful inquiry and examining the evidence, some prefer to remain skeptical, which can hinder a deeper understanding and appreciation of these subjects. This attitude suggests a broader commentary on human nature and the challenges of critical thinking.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about historical interpretations, this quote could emphasize the importance of questioning instead of dismissing viewpoints.
More from Walter Scott
All quotes βIs death the last sleep? No, it is the last and final awakening.
O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!
Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, And men below, and saints above: For love is heaven, and heaven is love.
Where shall the lover rest,_x000D_ _x000D_ Whom the fates sever_x000D_ _x000D_ From his true maiden's breast,_x000D_ _x000D_ Parted for ever?_x000D_ _x000D_ Where, through groves deep and high,_x000D_ _x000D_ Sounds the far billow,_x000D_ _x000D_ Where early violets die,_x000D_ _x000D_ Under the willow.
On his bold visage middle age Had slightly press'd its signet sage, Yet had not quench'd the open truth And fiery vehemence of youth: Forward and frolic glee was there, The will to do, the soul to dare.
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In fact, if law were restricted to protecting all persons, all liberties, and all properties; if law were nothing more than the organized combination of the individual's right to self-defense; if law were the obstacle, the check, the punisher of all oppression and plunder - is it likely that we citizens would then argue much about the extent of the franchise?
History is rife with examples of governments taking actions to 'protect' their citizens from harm by controlling access to information and inhibiting freedom of expression and other freedoms outlined in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We must make sure, collectively, that the Internet avoids a similar fate.
We are all familiar with the argument: Make war dreadful enough, and there will be no war. And we none of us believe it.
The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say
A man should be upright, not kept upright.
Let the Jews who claim to be the chosen race prove their title by choosing the way of non-violence for vindicating their position on earth. Every country is their home, including Palestine, not by aggression but by loving service