Friday, February 27, 2009

Robert Anton Wilson, novelist

Only the madman is absolutely sure. -Robert Anton Wilson, novelist (1932-2007)

How does this square with my belief in God and his goodness? My experience has convinced me that God is and he is good above all, so much so that I am staking my life on it. But it is also true that my experience tells me that I am not infallible. In the end, I can understand and sympathize with those who struggle with doubt, but my belief in God is still the rock on which I stand.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Joseph Prescott, aphorist (1913-2001)

To profess to be doing God's will is a form of megalomania. -Joseph Prescott, aphorist (1913-2001)
This is obviously not true as a universal declaration, although in some cases it may be true. Obeying the commandments, for example, is doing God's will, but saying so is not pathological. Even in cases of what might be called private revelation it might simply be true when someone says he is doing God's will. Prescott, however, probably didn't believe that God might reveal his particular will for an individual or situation to anyone. Perhaps he didn't believe in God at all. By now he knows the truth. R.I.P.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Montgomery Burns, of The Simpsons

"Family. Religion. Friendship. These are the three demons you must slay if you wish to succeed in business." -- Montgomery Burns
This quote is shocking if you don't realize who Montgomery Burns is, the evil owner of the nuclear power plant Homer Simpson works at. But it hints at the dangers inherent in striving for success in business.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Oliver Wendell Holmes

"Knowledge and timber shouldn't be much used till they are seasoned." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes
I don't often agree with Oliver Wendell Holmes, but this time I do.