Santayana, George 1863-1952 creator text utu 2015 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Interpretations of Poetry and Religion" by George Santayana is a philosophical work written in the late 19th century. The text examines the intrinsic connections between poetry and religion, arguing that both express ideals rather than empirical truths. Santayana proposes that poetry and religion serve similar purposes in human life, but only when religion transcends mere dogma to embrace its poetic essence do they harmoniously intersect. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage by discussing the various papers compiled within, each contributing to the overarching idea that religion and poetry are fundamentally identical but differentiated by their practical applications. He examines the nature of the human mind in relation to reality, highlighting the interplay between understanding, imagination, and mysticism. Santayana critiques the prevailing attitudes toward religion, suggesting that it should focus on ideals rather than factual claims, thus maintaining its nobility and coherence. The opening lays a philosophical foundation for further exploration of seminal topics, including the nature of poetic expression, the collapsing boundaries between myth and morality, and the significance of imagination as a crucial human faculty through which we interpret and engage with the world. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Understanding, imagination, and mysticism -- The Homeric hymns -- The dissolution of paganism -- The poetry of Christian dogma -- Platonic love in some Italian poets -- The absence of religion in Shakespeare -- The poetry of barbarism -- Emerson -- A religion of disillusion -- The elements and function of poetry. Release date is 2015-03-23 Produced by Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Internet Archive.) Original publication data not identified Religion Poetry Literature -- History and criticism Aesthetics PN Original publication data not identified 00001648 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48563 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48563 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134121.0 48563