Our greatest leaders are neither dreamers nor dictators: They are, like Jefferson, those who articulate national aspirations yet master the mechanics of influence and know when to depart from dogma.
Jon MeachamRead
Religious belief, like history itself, is a story that is always unfolding, always subject to inquiry and ripe for questioning. For without doubt there is no faith.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religious belief is dynamic and open to questioning, reflecting the continuous exploration of faith.
Jon Meacham suggests that religious belief is not a static doctrine but rather a narrative that evolves over time. It invites scrutiny and inquiry, emphasizing that doubt plays a crucial role in cultivating genuine faith; it is through questioning that one deepens their understanding and connection to their beliefs.
Themes
BeliefFaithDoubtInquiryReligionHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of faith within different cultures.
More from Jon Meacham
All quotes βIt would be wonderful if the public sector were always great, or always terrible; or if the private sector were always great, or always terrible. Alas, reality is more complicated than comforting caricatures. Governments fail, and corporations fail.
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As crucial as religion has been and is to the life of the nation, America's unifying force has never been a specific faith, but a commitment to freedom - not least freedom of conscience.
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The perennial conviction that those who work hard and play by the rules will be rewarded with a more comfortable present and a stronger future for their children faces assault from just about every direction. That great enemy of democratic capitalism, economic inequality, is real and growing.
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A wise nation should cultivate a political spirit that allows opponents to cooperate without fearing an automatic execution from their core supporters. Who knew that the real rogues in American politics would be the ones who dare to get along?
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One of the earliest resurrection scenes in the Bible is that of Thomas demanding evidence - he wanted to see, to touch, to prove. Those who question and probe and debate are heirs of the apostles just as much as the most fervent of believers.
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