Let nothing of the truths that have been defined be lessened, nothing altered, nothing added, but let them be preserved intact in word and in meaning.
Pope Gregory XviRead
We are here speaking in open disapproval of that false system of philosophy, not so long ago introduced, by which, because of an extended and unbridled desire of novelty, truth is not sought where it truly resides, and, with a disregard for the holy and apostolic traditions, other vain, futile, uncertain doctrines, not approved by the Church are accepted as true, on which very vain men mistakenly think that truth itself is supported and sustained.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote criticizes a philosophy that prioritizes new ideas over established truths and traditions.
Pope Gregory XVI expresses disapproval of a philosophical trend that values novelty over the pursuit of genuine truth. He warns against the abandonment of traditional teachings and the acceptance of unproven doctrines, highlighting how this can lead to misguided beliefs. The quote emphasizes the importance of adhering to established truths and traditions to maintain a proper understanding of reality.
Themes
TruthPhilosophyTraditionNoveltyBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about education reforms, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of maintaining traditional values.
More from Pope Gregory Xvi
All quotes →Similar quotes
Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.
ConfuciusRead
Many errors, of a truth, consist merely in the application of the wrong names of things. For if a man says that the lines which are drawn from the centre of the circle to the circumference are not equal, he understands by the circle, at all events for the time, something else than mathematicians understand by it.
Baruch SpinozaRead
The augmentation of slaves weakens the states; and such a trade is diabolical in itself, and disgraceful to mankind.
George MasonRead
The rule of joy and the law of duty seem to me all one.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.Read
RITUALISM, n. A Dutch Garden of God where He may walk in rectilinear freedom, keeping off the grass.
Ambrose BierceRead
He had opened his heart to the sublime indifference of the universe
Albert CamusRead