Others too would occasionally entertain and privately express such doubts; though we all had been most solemnly warned by the cruel murder of Saint Francis.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
There is a kind of courtesy in skepticism. It would be an offense against polite conventions to press our doubts too far.
If a psychiatric and scientific inquiry were to be made upon our rulers, mankind would be appalled at the disclosures.
It may offend us to hear our own thoughts expressed by others: we are not sure enough of their souls.
A fellow who is always declaring he's no fool usually has his suspicions.
Skepticism is the sadism of embittered souls.
The doubt of an earnest, thoughtful, patient and laborious mind is worthy of respect. In such doubt may be found indeed more faith than in half the creeds.
These days I am ruled by doubt, and that is a difficult place to write from.
Let judges secretly despair of justice: their verdicts will be more acute. Let generals secretly despair of triumph; killing will be defamed. Let priests secretly despair of faith: their compassion will be true.
The cruelest lies are often told in silence.
Whether we're looking at the burial box of St. James, a fragment of the True Cross, the Shroud of Turin, or some bones supposedly belonging to John the Baptist, there is always excitement and distrust, faith and doubt.