Myths are early science, the result of men's first trying to explain what they saw around them.
Edith HamiltonThere is a field where all wonderful perfections of microscope and telescope fail, all exquisite niceties of weights and measures, as well as that which is behind them, the keen and driving power of the mind. No facts however indubitably detected, no effort of reason however magnificently maintained, can prove that Bach's music is beautiful.
Edith HamiltonWhen the world is storm-driven and bad things happen, then we need to know all the strong fortresses of the spirit which men have built through the ages.
Edith HamiltonOne form of religion perpetually gives way to another; if religion did not change it would be dead. ... Each time the new ideas appear they are seen at first as a deadly foe threatening to make religion perish from the earth; but in the end there is a deeper insight and a better life with ancient follies and prejudices gone.
Edith Hamilton