(Latin: melior, better)
A philosophic theory which holds that though things in the world are bad they can be improved, and that man can find some satisfiaction in laboring to increase the happiness of his fellow men. This theory occupies an intermediate position between the extreme Optimism of Leibnitz and the extreme Pessimism of Schopenhauer. It was first propounded by Sully and George Eliot and naturally finds support among the adherents of the pragmatic movement in philosophy.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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