Literary notes about lukewarm (AI summary)
The term "lukewarm" has been used in literature with a remarkable versatility, functioning both as a literal description of moderate temperatures and as a metaphor for indifference or half-heartedness. In some works, such as à Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ ([1], [2], [3]), "lukewarm" criticizes a spiritual or emotional tepidness, suggesting a lack of passionate commitment. Conversely, other texts employ it in its literal sense: etiquette guides and cookery manuals detail precise requirements for water temperature in washing or culinary preparations ([4], [5], [6], [7]). Meanwhile, in political and social commentary, authors like Thomas Jefferson and Dostoyevsky juxtapose "lukewarm" attitudes against more extreme stances or ideologies ([8], [9], [10]). This dual usage underscores the term's evolution in literature, where it elegantly bridges the physical and the metaphorical to enrich both narrative texture and critical commentary.
- 7. What shall become of us at the end, if at the beginning we are lukewarm and idle?
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - And unless I am helped by Thee and inwardly supported, I become altogether lukewarm and reckless.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - And so we remain lukewarm and unspiritual.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - Rinse in lukewarm water, dry and finish by pinning out.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley - Then transfer it wet to a lukewarm suds, wash and rinse it well, and dry and iron it.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley - —The water with which the teeth are cleansed should be what is called lukewarm.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley - [4], CHICKEN LIVERS [5]; COVER COMPLETELY WITH [a lukewarm, congealing] BROTH, PLACE ON ICE
— from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius - He has the Cant of an impatient Lover, but keeps the Pace of a Lukewarm one.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - You hear, better be cold, better be cold than lukewarm, than only lukewarm.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - “‘So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky