Sheesh. How many cheerful and witty Christian writers known primarily by their initials did England turn out during the 20th century? G.K. Chesterton lived from 1874-1936 and was a journalist, theologian, philosopher, playwright, and mystery writer. Here’s a nifty quote from his brilliant work “Orthodoxy.”
“A child kicks his legs rhythmically through excess, not absence, of life. Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun and every evening “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we. The repetition in nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore.”
1 comment:
I don't understand it: most times when I read quotes of Chesterton outside of the larger context of his book, I think they're great - or at least thought-provoking. But when I actually read Orthodoxy I found myself consistently frustrated by just how long it takes him to make a point.
I see, on the one hand, how Lewis mimicked his style and innovation. But on the other hand I cannot help but think that Lewis far surpassed him in clarity.
Still, as usual, sweet quote.
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