The Catechism of Positive Religion

The Catechism of Positive Religion

Comte, Auguste. tr. Richard Congreve

London: Chapman, 1858

HathiTrust

1858

"'The day before yesterday Herbert Spencer dined with us, and there was talk- for the last time, I hope- about my books. We have made a resolution that we will allow no more talk in our own house on the subject. I find it destructive of that repose and simplicity of mind which is the only healthy state in relation to one's books: it has the same effect as talking of one's religion, or one's feelings and duties towards one's father, mother, or husband. We have just finished reading aloud "Pere Goriot" - a hateful book. This evening I am at p. 31 of my 2nd vol. I have been reading lately and have nearly finished Comte's Catechism. We have also read aloud "Tom Brown's School Days" with much disappointment. It is an unpleasant, unveracious book." Diary 1854-1861 81

Comte, Auguste. tr. Richard Congreve, The Catechism of Positive Religion, George Eliot's Reading, George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/57621

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