But if it not be true, the myth itself requires to be explained, and … — William Robertson Smith

But if it not be true, the myth itself requires to be explained, and every principle of philosophy and common sense demand that the explanation be sought, not in arbitrary allegorical categories, but in the actual facts of ritual or religious custom to which the myth attaches.

William Robertson SmithScientist · Scottish · 1846 – 1894

More from William Robertson Smith

Philosophy finds it an easy matter to vanquish past and future evils, but the present are commonly too hard for it. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld
The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next. — Abraham Lincoln
I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law. — Aristotle
The dissolution of the nation destroys the national religion, and dethrones the national deity. — William Robertson Smith
The god, it would appear, was frequently thought of as the physical progenitor or first father of his people. — William Robertson Smith
The god can no more exist without his people than the nation without its god. — William Robertson Smith