The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself. St Augustine

Father George Rutler Contrasts Grammars


The Reverend Father George Rutler at Crisis Magazine wrote:

An obligation attaches to the grammar that speaks heart to heart, however, and that duty consists in a simultaneous use of the brain. Sentiment detached from thought will lead down wayward paths. This “heart to heart” language—the cor ad cor of Saint Francis de Sales, which Bl. (now Saint) John Henry Cardinal Newman made his motto—is always clear. Newman described the process of attaining certitude in his “Grammar of Assent.” Few minds could match his, just as few could equal his wordcraft, and no one could be confused about what he thought or how he said it.
That is not a mere coincidence. It’s thankworthy that Pope Francis will canonize Newman. Let it be a reminder to all that, no matter how nouns and adjectives and adverbs are employed, messy thinking is a Grammar of Dissent.
Fr Rutler's essay invites us to investigate Newman's essay:

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SAINT JOAN OF ARC

You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are; but take good heed not to judge me ill, because you would put yourself in great peril.

MARK TWAIN

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

GEORGE ORWELL

In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

MARCUS AURELIUS

There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice, and to live without anger in the midst of lying and unjust men.

ANONYMOUS

Don’t let anyone rent a space in your head unless they’re a good tenant.