# Epigraph explained — Religion and the Rise of Capitalism

> Chapter companion for Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney.

## What happens

The epigraph quotes Bishop Berkeley, emphasizing that deep contemplation of God, the human mind, and the highest good is essential for true patriotism and statesmanship, contrasting with a merely worldly success.

## Key lines

> Whatever the world thinks, he who hath not much meditated upon God, the human mind, and the summum bonum , may possibly make a thriving earthworm, but will most indubitably make a sorry patriot and a sorry statesman.

No matter what society believes, a person who has not deeply reflected on God, the human mind, and the ultimate good may succeed in worldly terms but will certainly fail as a patriot and statesman.

_Berkeley argues that spiritual and philosophical contemplation is foundational to virtuous leadership._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters