Quote by William Hazlitt

A full-dressed ecclesiastic is a sort of go-cart of divinity; an ethical automaton. A clerical prig is, in general, a very dangerous as well as contemptible character. The utmost that those who thus habitually confound their opinions and sentiments with the outside coverings of their bodies can aspire to, is a negative and neutral character, like wax-work figures, where the dress is done as much to the life as the man, and where both are respectable pieces of pasteboard, or harmless compositions of fleecy hosiery.

A full-dressed ecclesiastic is a sort of go-cart of divinity

Summary

In this quote, the author criticizes pompous religious figures who dress in elaborate attire, calling them "go-carts of divinity" and "ethical automatons." They argue that such individuals, who equate their external appearance with their inner beliefs, are dangerous and contemptible. The author suggests that these individuals can only aspire to have a superficial and neutral character, akin to wax figures where the exterior is as significant as the person underneath, resulting in respectable yet ultimately insubstantial beings. Overall, the quote aims to highlight the dangers of prioritizing outward appearances over genuine substance and character.

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By William Hazlitt

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