I just had to include this quote, the last paragraph of Chapter XXXII from the Age of Faith. I think it hits the mark on two points: One, it's a terrific example of Durant's writing style, which brings history to life with consistently vivid eloquence that is truly underappreciated. And two, it clearly demonstrates the many contrasts in medieval life. Yes, it was an age of faith; but it was also an age of great evil, beauty, war, art, flowering and darkness, all at the same time:
"Medieval man thought that truth had been revealed to him, so that he was spared from its wild pursuit; the reckless energy that we give to seeking it was turned in those days to the creation of beauty; and amid poverty, epidemics, famines, and wars men found time and spirit to make beautiful a thousand varieties of objects, from initials to cathedrals. Breathless before some medieval manuscript, humble before Notre Dame, feeling the far vision of Winchester's nave, we forget the superstition and squalor, the petty wars and monstrous crimes, of the Age of Faith; we marvel again at the patience, taste, and devotion of our medieval ancestors; and we thank a million forgotten men for redeeming the blood of history with the sacrament of art."
Will Durant, The Age of Faith, page 894.
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