Man himself was the formulator of the impossible Christian ideal and tried to uphold it, if not live by it, for more than a millennium. Therefore it must represent a need, something more fundamental than Gibbon's 18th century enlightenment allowed for, or his elegant ironies could dispose of.
The quote reflects the idea that the Christian ideal, considered unattainable by many, was nevertheless a creation of humanity, upheld for centuries. This ideal represents a deep-rooted need within people that transcends mere intellectual critique, as articulated by Gibbon in the 18th century. Tuchman suggests that the enduring struggle to adhere to this ideal reveals a fundamental aspect of human nature and our desire for moral guidance.
By acknowledging the challenges of living up to such lofty ideals, Tuchman highlights the complexity of human aspirations and beliefs during the 14th century. This struggle signifies that the pursuit of moral and ethical standards is inherent to the human experience, a theme that resonates across history and reflects the ongoing quest for meaning and purpose in life.
