He clucked his tongue and nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me. The teachings of Descartes are well and good for the old country -; but here they just don’t churn the butter. This nation was founded on belief – credulity pure and simple – just as the great French Republic was founded on skepticism. Faith, whatever clothes you put it in, is the corner-stone of our Union. You’re an American, sirrah -; not an Egyptian or a Swede. Without an understanding of belief – without a sympathy for it, a talent for it – you will never make your penny.” He shook his head. “No, my friend! The Enlightenment is not for us.”
from John Wray’s amazing novel Canaan’s Tongue. My reviews of Wray’s novels here and here.
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