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O World, Thou Choosest Not the Better Part

Representative Text

1 O world, thou choosest not the better part!
It is not wisdom to be only wise,
and on the inward vision close the eyes,
but it is wisdom to believe the heart.
To trust the soul’s invincible surmise
is all of science and our only art.

2 Our knowledge is a torch of smoky pine
that lights the pathway but one step ahead
across a void of mystery and dread.
Bid, then, the tender light of faith to shine
by which alone the mortal heart is led
unto the thinking of the thought divine.

Source: Singing the Living Tradition #341

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Author: George Santayana

(no biographical information available about George Santayana.) Go to person page >

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Text Information

First Line: O world, thou choosest not the better part!
Title: O World, Thou Choosest Not the Better Part
Author: George Santayana
Meter: 10.10.10.10.10.10
Language: English
Refrain First Line: `
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Instances

Instances (1 - 1 of 1)
Text

Singing the Living Tradition #341

Singing the Living Tradition #341
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