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Superstition: Quotations from Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations

Foul Superstition! howsoe'er disguised, Idol, saint, virgin, prophet, crescent, cross, For whatsoever symbol thou art prized, Thou sacerdotal gain, but general loss! Who from true worship's gold can separate thy dross?— BYRON — Childe Harold. Canto II. St. 44.

Superstition is a senseless fear of God.— CICERO

My right eye itches, some good luck is near.— DRYDEN — Paraphrase of Amaryllis. Third Idyllium of Theocritus. L. 86.

Alas! you know the cause too well; The salt is spilt, to me it fell. Then to contribute to my loss, My knife and fork were laid across; On Friday, too! the day I dread; Would I were safe at home, in bed! Last night (I vow to Heaven 'tis true) Bounce from the fire a coffin flew. Next post some fatal news shall tell: God send my Cornish friends be well!— GAY — Fables. Pt. I. Fable 37.

Accedit etiam mors, quæ quasi saxum Tantalo semper impendit: tum superstitio, quâ qui est imbutus quietus esse numquam potest. Death approaches, which is always impending like the stone over Tantalus: then comes superstition with which he who is imbued can never have peace of mind.— CICERO — De Finibus Bonorum et

Malorum. I. 8. Superstitio, in quâ inest inanis timor Dei; religio, quæ dei pio cultu continetur. There is in superstition a senseless fear of God; religion consists in the pious worship of Him.— CICERO — De Natura Deorum. I. 42.

Superstitione tollendâ religio non tollitur. Religion is not removed by removing superstition.— CICERO — De Divinatione. II. 72.

Minimis etiam rebus prava religio inserit deos. A foolish superstition introduces the influences of the gods even in the smallest matters.— LIVY — Annales. XXVII. 23.