Meaning: The quote "As for the Pope, I am too old to be frightened by his shadow, and am quite sure his shadow or Substance will do less harm to the liberties of my country than will a party, who seek to acquire political power by exciting religious bigotry in the minds of their duped followers." is attributed to Ezra Cornell, an American businessman, and founder of Cornell University. This quote reflects Cornell's skepticism towards the influence of religious institutions in politics and his concern about the manipulation of religious sentiments for political gain.

Ezra Cornell lived during a time when religious and political tensions were high in the United States. The mid-19th century saw the rise of various religious and political movements, and conflicts between different religious denominations were not uncommon. In this context, Cornell's statement can be seen as a reflection of his belief in the separation of church and state and his wariness of the potential dangers of religious bigotry in influencing political decisions.

The reference to the Pope in the quote is significant as it points to the influence of the Catholic Church, particularly in the context of American politics. During the time of Ezra Cornell, there were concerns among some segments of the population about the potential impact of Catholicism on American democracy and values. This was fueled by the influx of Catholic immigrants to the United States and the subsequent growth of the Catholic population in the country.

Cornell's assertion that he is "too old to be frightened by [the Pope's] shadow" suggests that he has outgrown any fear or apprehension of the symbolic or actual power of the Pope or the Catholic Church. He seems to express confidence in the strength of the American democratic system and its ability to withstand external influences, including those of religious institutions.

Additionally, Cornell's warning about the potential harm to the liberties of the country by a party that seeks to acquire political power through religious bigotry highlights his concern about the manipulation of religious sentiment for political gain. This aligns with the broader historical context of his time when political parties and movements were known to exploit religious differences to rally support and gain power.

In essence, Ezra Cornell's quote reflects his skepticism towards the influence of religious institutions in politics and his concern about the potential dangers of exploiting religious sentiments for political ends. It also speaks to his belief in the resilience of the American democratic system and the importance of safeguarding it from divisive tactics that seek to exploit religious differences for political gain.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Ezra Cornell provides insight into the historical context of religious and political tensions in the mid-19th century United States. It reflects Cornell's skepticism towards the influence of religious institutions in politics and his concerns about the manipulation of religious sentiments for political gain. The quote serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of upholding the principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state in a democratic society.