Getting its history wrong is part of being a nation. Ernest Renan More Quotes by Ernest Renan More Quotes From Ernest Renan It is evident, indeed, that such a doctrine, taken by itself in a literal manner, had no future. The world, in continuing to exist, caused it to crumble. One generation of man at the most was the limit of its endurance. The faith of the first Christian generation is intelligible, but the faith of the second generation is no longer so. After the death of John, or of the last survivor, whoever he might be, of the group which had seen the master, the word of Jesus was convicted of falsehood. Ernest Renan taken christian jesus As soon as sacrifice becomes a duty and necessity to mankind. I see no limit to the horizon which opens before him. Ernest Renan horizon sacrifice limits You may take great comfort from the fact that suffering inwardly for the sake of truth proves abundantly that one loves it and marks one out as being of the elect. Ernest Renan suffering comfort may Relax yourself from one job by doing a different one. Ernest Renan relax work jobs The virtue of man is, in a word, the great proof of God. Ernest Renan proof virtue men The man who obeys is nearly always better than the man who commands. Ernest Renan obedience he-man men The greatest men of a nation are those it puts to death. Ernest Renan greatness men death History is as much an art as a science. Ernest Renan history art Let us remember that sorrow alone is the creator of great things. Ernest Renan sorrow remember life All the great things of humanity have been accomplished in the name of absolute principles. Ernest Renan principles humanity names In morals, truth is but little prized when it is a mere sentiment, and only attains its full value when realized in the world as fact. Ernest Renan sentimental facts world The only way of salvation for the world is by returning to thy allegiance.... Firm in my faith, I shall have force to withstand my evil counsellors, my skepticism, which leads me to doubt of the people, my restless spirit which, after truth has been brought to light, impels to go on searching for it. Ernest Renan light evil people God, if there is a God, take my soul, if I have a soul. Ernest Renan take my-soul soul god
