Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
A wise architect observed that you could break the laws of architec75tural art provided you had mastered them first. That would apply to religion as well as to art. Ignorance of the past does not guarantee freedom from its imperfections.
Interpretation
Mastery of rules allows for creative freedom, but ignorance leads to mistakes.
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational principles of any field—be it art, architecture, or religion—before attempting to innovate or break those rules. It suggests that true creativity stems from knowledge and mastery, while ignorance leaves one vulnerable to repeating past errors.
In practice
In a speech about innovation in design, one could reference this quote to stress the importance of foundational knowledge.
Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
The tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Our destiny is frequently met in the very paths we take to avoid it.
What does it mean to be true to the faith? That word true implies commitment, integrity, endurance, and courage.
However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts.
People shouldn't expect the mass media to do investigative stories. That job belongs to the 'fringe' media.
Shall I show you the sinews of a philosopher? What sinews are those? - A will undisappointed; evils avoided; powers daily exercised; careful resolutions; unerring decisions.
Guilt, regret, resentment, sadness & all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past & not enough presence.
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