We shall say without hesitation that the atheist who is moved by love is moved by the Spirit of God; an atheist who lives by love is saved by his faith in the God whose existence (under that name) he denies.
William TempleRead
Who ever converses among old books will be hard to please among the new.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Engaging with classic literature shapes one's tastes and expectations, making modern works less satisfying.
This quote suggests that those who delve into the wisdom and insights found in historical texts will develop discerning tastes that are difficult to satisfy with contemporary works. The depth and richness of old books cultivate an appreciation for complexity and substance, creating a high standard that modern literature often struggles to meet.
Themes
BooksLiteratureWisdomDiscerning TasteOld Vs New
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club, to emphasize the depth of classic literature.
More from William Temple
All quotes βThe most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child's home.
William TempleRead
There cannot live a more unhappy creature than an ill-natured old man, who is neither capable of receiving pleasures, nor sensible of conferring them on others.
William TempleRead
Similar quotes
Everybody has losses - it's unavoidable in life. Sharing our pain is very healing.
Isabel AllendeRead
Thought precedes action, action does not always precede thought.
Douglas HortonRead
I would say about individuals, A Individual dies when they cease to to be surprised. I am surprised every morning when I see the sunshine again. When I see an act of evil I don't accomodate, I don't accomodate myself to the violence that goes on everywhere. I am still so surprised! That is why I am against it. We must learn to be surprised.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I will waste not even a precious second today in anger or hate or jealousy or selfishness. I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day.
Og MandinoRead
Fear of commitment lies behind the fear of writing.
Hilary MantelRead