“ for man is a noble hymn to God. All think that happiness is innocent, and that pleasure is permitted to man. ”
Anatole France, Thaïs (1890). copy citation
| Author | Anatole France |
|---|---|
| Source | Thaïs |
| Topic | happiness pleasure |
| Date | 1890 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Robert B. Douglas |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2078/2078-h/2078-h.htm |
Context
“Some seek eternal beauty, and place their ephemeral life in the infinite. Others live without much thought. But by that alone they submit to fair Nature, and they are happy and beautiful in the joy of living only, and give glory to the supreme artist of all things; for man is a noble hymn to God. All think that happiness is innocent, and that pleasure is permitted to man. Paphnutius, if they are right, what a dupe you have been!”
And the vision vanished.
Thus was Paphnutius tempted unceasingly in body and mind. Satan never gave him a minute’s repose. The solitude of the tomb was more peopled than the streets of a great city.”
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