This explanation seems, on the whole, more likely than the alternative
hypothesis that such beliefs were due to mal-observation; though that,
no doubt, helped in their formation.
[1] "Superstitions concerning Birds."
It may be questioned, however, whether the architects and preachers of
the Middle Ages altogether believed in the strange fables of the
Bestiaries. As Mr COLLINS says in reply to this question: "Probably
they were credulous enough. But, on the whole, we may say that the
truth of the story was just what they did not trouble about, any more
than some clergymen are particular about the absolute truth of the
stories they tell children from the pulpit. The application, the lesson,
is the thing!" With their desire to interpret Nature spiritually, we
ought, I think, to sympathise. But there was one truth they had yet to
learn, namely, that in order to interpret Nature spiritually, it is
necessary first to understand her aright in her literal sense.
IX
THE QUEST OF THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
THE need of unity is a primary need of human thought.
Behind the varied multiplicity of the world of phenomena, primitive
man, as I have indicated on a preceding excursion, begins to seek,
more or less consciously, for that Unity which alone is Real.
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