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A man is accepted into a church for what he believes and he is turned out for what he knows.
Mark Twain
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the conflict between faith and knowledge, suggesting that while belief may grant one acceptance, understanding can lead to rejection.

Mark Twain's quote critiques the dichotomy between belief and knowledge within religious institutions. It implies that individuals are welcomed into communities based on their faith, but when they gain knowledge or question doctrines, they may be ostracized. This reflects a broader commentary on how society often values adherence to belief over the pursuit of truth and critical thinking.

Themes

BeliefKnowledgeTruthFaithReligion

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about religious institutions, one might use this quote to illustrate how knowledge can sometimes challenge accepted beliefs.

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