Quotes, at times, randomly strike me as interesting, captivating or curious. Sometimes I pin them here if I am so inclined, which I was, as I sit here on a very beautiful late afternoon, beer in hand, contemplating.  

Michael Meade used this quote at approximately 12:23 into his Podcast Episode 454: We Are all Called To Stand For Something. 

He was discussing in life there can be the great pretender. The ones who behave as if they know it all and should have all the power. The ones who claim that they can fix everything. The ones who also turn out to be hypocrites despite and because of all their self importance and all there pretensions of power and wisdom.

It resonated and this quote which followed the goose bump moment was the following:

And when it comes to religions and using religion to create pretensions of power Jonathon Swift comes to mind for he said:

"Typically we have just enough religion to make us hate but not enough of it to make us love one another"

Jonathon Swift

Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was an Irish writer, satirist, and Anglican cleric best known for his biting wit and social criticism. His most famous works include:

    • Gulliver’s Travels (1726) – A satirical adventure story that skewers human nature, politics, and scientific pretension. It’s often read as a children’s tale but is really a dark, ironic commentary on society and power.

    • A Modest Proposal (1729) – A shocking satire suggesting that impoverished Irish might ease their troubles by selling their children as food. It was Swift’s scathing critique of British policy toward Ireland.

    • The Tale of a Tub (1704) – A complex allegory attacking corruption in religion and learning.

    • The Battle of the Books (1704) – A satire on the conflict between ancient and modern writers.

He was Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and despite being a clergyman, his writing was often subversive, cynical, and sharply critical of human folly and hypocrisy.