...He made no complaint whatsoever about the bad reputation he had attracted throughout the world, assured me that he himself was the person most concerned by the destruction of superstition, and admitted to me that as far as his own power was concerned he had been afraid on only one occasion, which was when he had heard a preacher, more subtle than his colleagues, shout out from the pulpit: 'Dearly beloved, never forget, when you hear anyone vaunt the progress of enlightenment, that the Devil's finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist!'

Summary

This quote highlights the perspective of a person who is not bothered by the negative opinions and reputation they have garnered. The individual acknowledges that they are actively fighting against superstition and the influence it holds. However, they admit feeling fear only once, when a clever preacher emphasized the idea that denying the existence of evil and darkness is the most cunning trick played by the Devil. This quote may serve as a reminder to not underestimate the hidden dangers and forces at play, even when celebrating enlightenment and progress.

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