The man or country that fights priestcraft and priests is to my mind striking deeper for freedom than can be struck anywhere.

In this quote, George Meredith argues that the true fight for freedom lies in challenging the influence of priestcraft—the control or manipulation of religion for political or personal gain. By referencing the struggle against priests and religious authority, Meredith suggests that real liberation comes when individuals or societies confront the forces that seek to impose control over thought, morality, and behavior through religious means.

Meredith’s words reflect a critique of religious institutions that wield power over people, often under the guise of spiritual or moral authority. He believes that by standing up to these institutions, one is not only fighting for individual autonomy but also for the broader ideals of freedom and justice. This act of resistance, according to Meredith, represents a deeper and more meaningful form of fighting for personal liberty.

The quote places a strong emphasis on the power of intellectual and spiritual independence. It implies that true freedom is not just the absence of physical constraints, but the ability to think and act without being coerced or dictated by religious dogma. By challenging priestcraft, a society can achieve a more enlightened and self-determined state, free from the manipulation of those who seek to dominate through religion.

Meredith’s quote originates from his broader philosophical beliefs, which often centered on the role of individualism and the conflict between authority and freedom. He was a writer deeply concerned with social and moral issues, particularly the limitations placed on people by established power structures, including the church. Through this quote, he advocates for a society that seeks not only political freedom but also freedom of thought and spiritual autonomy.