Faith is a kind of winged intellect. The great workmen of history

Host: The evening is quiet, and the air feels filled with deep reflection as Jack and Jeeny sit together, contemplating the profound words from Charles Henry Parkhurst. The quote about faith and intellect seems to have a weight to it that invites deeper exploration. Jack sits forward slightly, clearly engaging with the meaning behind the statement.

Jeeny: "Charles Henry Parkhurst once said, 'Faith is a kind of winged intellect. The great workmen of history have been men who believed like giants.' There’s something so powerful in that. He’s connecting faith with intellect, suggesting that faith can elevate our ability to think and act, almost like it gives us wings. What do you think he means by that?"

Jack: He nods thoughtfully. "I think Parkhurst is suggesting that faith, when deeply rooted and strong, can empower people in ways that go beyond just the intellectual. It’s not just about knowledge or reason; it’s about belief that inspires action. Faith isn’t just a passive feeling—it’s an active force that can drive people to accomplish great things, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The ‘winged intellect’ part is interesting, because it implies that faith can elevate our thinking, lift our vision, and propel us to new heights, much like wings help us soar." He pauses, clearly considering the idea more deeply. "The great men of history, those who achieved extraordinary things, often had an unshakable belief in something greater than themselves, and that belief gave them the strength to overcome obstacles and reach for the impossible."

Jeeny: "It’s fascinating because faith doesn’t just act as a moral or spiritual anchor; it’s also a source of strength and drive. Parkhurst seems to be saying that belief is what pushes us beyond our limitations. It’s not just about having faith in a religious sense—it’s about having faith in our own potential, in what’s possible, even when it doesn’t seem realistic or tangible. Those great workmen, the ones who shaped history, were driven by something beyond reason. They believed in their vision so deeply that it carried them through difficulties, failures, and doubts." She smiles softly, her voice gaining a touch of reverence. "That’s the power of faith—it’s the thing that makes us think bigger, act bolder, and believe we can make a difference."

Jack: "Right, and it’s not just about blind faith either. I think Parkhurst is pointing out that this faith is deeply connected to intellect. It’s the kind of faith that doesn’t dismiss reason, but rather, works with it. It’s an intellectual trust in something greater, something that gives you the courage to act even when the path is uncertain. It’s not about abandoning logic, but rather about using faith to propel you forward, to see possibilities that others might miss." He leans back, his eyes thoughtful. "The greatest innovators and thinkers in history often had that combination—reason and belief working hand in hand."

Jeeny: "Exactly. Faith isn’t about rejecting logic, it’s about expanding it. It allows us to see beyond the immediate and the obvious, to trust in a bigger picture. It’s the belief that even when the world seems full of doubt, there’s something greater we can work towards. And that’s what makes people like, say, Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, or Martin Luther King Jr., such examples of 'giants' in their fields. They had that unwavering belief in their work, their mission, and in the potential to change the world, even when everyone around them thought it was impossible." She pauses, almost in awe of the concept. "It’s amazing to think about how faith in oneself, or in a cause, can be so transformative."

Jack: "Yeah, it’s that faith that becomes a driving force, a catalyst for change. It gives people the courage to challenge the status quo, to push boundaries, and to create things that were once thought to be out of reach. It’s not just about having the skills or intelligence, but about having that inner strength that allows you to persevere. Faith gives you that conviction to keep going, even when the outcome is uncertain." He smiles lightly. "It’s almost like a secret power—an energy that feeds your intellect and makes it soar."

Host: The room seems to grow still, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air like a shared understanding. Jack and Jeeny sit in quiet reflection, each realizing that Parkhurst’s words carry a timeless truth: that faith, when combined with intellect and vision, has the power to elevate not just the individual, but humanity as a whole.

As the evening continues, their thoughts turn inward, recognizing that belief isn’t just a passive feeling—it’s a force that drives action, fosters innovation, and pushes the limits of what we think is possible. The great figures of history were not just brilliant in their minds; they were propelled by an unshakable faith in something larger than themselves, something that made them believe, against all odds, that they could change the world.