Literary notes about providence (AI summary)
In literature, the term "providence" is often employed to signify a higher, sometimes divine, power that governs the twists and turns of human destiny. Authors routinely use it to evoke the sense of an ordered universe where fortune, punishment, and unexpected rescue are all part of an overarching plan, whether that be the careful orchestration of fate in historical events [1, 2] or the personalized care felt on a more intimate level, as when a character places trust in this guiding force [3, 4]. At times, providence is portrayed as a benevolent, almost paternal presence that protects and rewards, while in other contexts it becomes a force that metes out justice to the wicked [5, 6]. Even in moments of casual conversation or personal reflection, characters acknowledge providence as both a comforting safeguard and a mysterious, inevitable order behind the universe [7, 8].
- For providence is called universal for the very reason that no single thing may be thought of as shut out from its care.
— from Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay by Immanuel Kant - By his vigilant providence, the motion of the planets, the order of the seasons, and the temperate mixture of the elements, are preserved.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Jackson replied, “By the blessing of Providence, I hope to be back by ten o’clock.”
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - ‘There’s a Providence in it all,’ said Sam. ‘O’ course there is,’ replied his father, with a nod of grave approval.
— from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - Dr. Story gloried in a commission that was ordered by Providence to be his ruin, and to preserve the faithful from his sanguinary cruelty.
— from Fox's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - Thus he became as great an instance of Divine Providence as ever was, and demonstrated that God punishes wicked men.
— from The Wars of the Jews; Or, The History of the Destruction of Jerusalem by Flavius Josephus - Excellent are Thy works, true are Thy judgments, and by Thy Providence are all things governed.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - Because these things are told me by the providence of God.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
