Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
All those evil doctrines about God that work misery and madness have their origin in the brains of the wise and prudent, not in the hearts of children.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Evil ideas about God stem from intellectual reasoning rather than innocent views held by children.
This quote by George Macdonald suggests that the complex and often negative doctrines about God, which can lead to despair and insanity, arise from the intellectual deliberations of learned individuals. In contrast, children possess a pure and simple understanding of God that is devoid of the complications introduced by adult reasoning, implying that wisdom can sometimes distort the essence of faith and innocence.
Themes
GodDoctrineInnocenceIntellectWisdomMisery
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on theology, this quote can emphasize the need to appreciate childlike faith.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes βIt is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them allβ They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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