what we believe

"Monsieur Goubin and Monsieur Jean Marteau came in. Monsieur Bergeret told them the subject of the conversation:
"We were talking of the man whom my mother one day caused to exist, and created gardener at Saint-Omer. She gave him a name. Henceforth he acted"
"I beg your pardon sir? said Monsieur Goubin, wiping his eye-glasses. "Do you mind saying that over again?"
"Willingly, replied Monsieur Bergeret. There was no gardener. The gardener did not exist. My mother said: "I expect the gardener!" Straightway the gardener existed - and acted"
"But Professor", inquired Monsieur Goubin, "how can he have acted if he did not exist?"
"In a manner, he did exist, replied Monsieur Bergeret.
"You mean he existed in imagination", scornfully retorted Monsieur Goubin.
"And is not imaginary existence, existence? exclaimed the Professor. "Are not mythical personages capable of influencing men? Think of mythology, Monsieur Goubin, and you will perceive that is not the real characters, but rather the imaginary ones that excercise the profoundest and the most durable influence over our minds. In all times and in all lands, beings that were not more real than Putois have inspired nations with love and hartred, with terror and hope, they have counselled crimes, they have received offerings, they have moulded manners and laws. Monsieur Goubin, think on the mythology of the ages. Putois is a mythological personage, obscure, I admit, and of the humblest order. "

Crainquebille  - Anatole France