The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
We anticipate a time when the love of truth shall have come up to our love of liberty, and men shall be cordially tolerant and earnest believers both at once.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the hope for a harmonious balance between the pursuit of truth and the value of freedom, leading to mutual tolerance and sincere belief.
Phillips Brooks envisions a future where society holds a deep love for truth that matches their love for liberty. In this ideal world, individuals will not only passionately pursue truth but will also embrace tolerance towards differing beliefs. This dual commitment would foster a more understanding and accepting society, where earnest belief does not conflict with the freedom to hold varying perspectives.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of democracy and open dialogue, this quote could inspire attendees to embrace diversity of thought.
More from Phillips Brooks
All quotes βWe never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided.
The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden.
To believe in the God over us and around us and not in the God within us - that would be a powerless and fruitless faith.
To say, 'well done' to any bit of good work is to take hold of the powers which have made the effort and strengthen them beyond our knowledge.
Think of life as a voyage. The truest liver of the truest life is like a voyager who, as he sails, is not indifferent to all the beauty of the sea around him.
Similar quotes
Satan rejoiced when Adam (peace be upon him) came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.
What makes me myself rather than anyone else is the very fact that I am poised between two countries, two or three languages, and several cultural traditions. It is precisely this that defines my identity. Would I exist more authentically if I cut off a part of myself
Logic is a poor guide compared with custom.
The issue is privacy. Why is the decision by a woman to sleep with a man she has just met in a bar a private one, and the decision to sleep with the same man for $100 subject to criminal penalties?
We make choices. No one else can live our lives for us. And we must confront and accept the consequences of our actions.
I think it is not very difficult to discern by the duties and converses of Christians, what frames their spirits are under. Take a Christian in a good frame, and how serious, heavenly, and profitable, will his converses and duties be! what a lovely companion is he during the continuance of it!