Original Sin

Daniel supposed he had a secret life. Most people did; it was hardly possible to live without one.

It's easy to get a reputation for wisdom. It's only necessary to live long, speak little and do less.

That should surely have taught him that what people believed about themselves seldom bore resemblance to how they behaved in reality.

Surely religious belief isn’t necessary to a good life.” “Perhaps not. Belief in religion may not influence behaviour. The practice of religion surely should.

Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, Nor the furious winter’s rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone and ta’en thy wages.

In a word all the things of the body are as a river, and the things of the soul as a dream and a vapour; and life is a warfare and a pilgrim’s sojourn, and fame after death is only forgetfulness.