Belief sloshes around in the firmament like lumps of clay spiralling into a potter's wheel. That's how gods get created, for example. They clearly must be created by their own believers, because a brief resume of the lives of most gods suggests that their origins certainly couldn't be divine. They tend to do exactly the things people would do if only they could, especially when it comes to nymphs, golden showers, and the smiting of your enemies.

Summary

This quote suggests that belief is a fluid concept influenced by individuals and their desires. It compares the formation of gods to clay being shaped on a potter's wheel. The quote implies that gods are created by their followers, as their actions often mirror what people wish they could do. The mention of nymphs, golden showers, and smiting of enemies points to the human-like qualities and fantastical behavior attributed to gods. Thus, this quote questions the heavenly origins of gods, suggesting that they are products of human imagination and aspirations.

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