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Faith in the supernatural is a desperate wager made by man at the lowest ebb of his fortunes.
George Santayana
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that people often turn to supernatural beliefs when they are in desperate situations.

George Santayana's quote reflects on the human tendency to seek refuge in supernatural beliefs during times of great hardship or despair. It implies that faith in the supernatural, while often viewed as a source of hope and comfort, can also stem from a place of desperation and vulnerability when faced with the challenges of life.

Themes

FaithSupernaturalDesperationFortuneBelief

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of religion in coping with life's challenges.

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It takes a wonderful brain and exquisite senses to produce a few stupid ideas.
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The vital straining towards an ideal, definite but latent, when it dominates a whole life, may express that ideal more fully than could the best chosen words.
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