Meaning: This quote by Laurence Housman, a British playwright and writer, provides insight into his personal journey of questioning and challenging the religious beliefs and traditions he was raised with. Housman describes undergoing a "healthy reaction from the orthodoxy of my youth," indicating a period of transition and transformation in his beliefs. He explains that religion had shifted from being a mere possession to an obsession that he was actively attempting to shed. The quote suggests that the tale he crafted, presumably referring to one of his literary works, was a product of this iconoclastic mindset and served as a means of expressing his departure from the religious orthodoxy of his upbringing.

Laurence Housman was born in 1865 into a family with strong ties to the Church of England, and his upbringing was steeped in religious tradition and orthodoxy. However, as he matured, Housman found himself grappling with the religious teachings and practices that had been instilled in him during his youth. This internal struggle with his faith is evident in the quote, as he describes the process of moving away from the orthodox beliefs that had previously defined his worldview.

Housman's reference to religion as an obsession suggests a deep preoccupation with the dogma and rituals that had come to dominate his life. This intense focus on religion may have led him to question the significance of these beliefs and their impact on his personal development. The quote implies that Housman sought to liberate himself from the constraints of his religious upbringing and explore alternative perspectives and worldviews.

The phrase "iconoclastic tale of an imaginary tribe" alludes to the creative work that emerged from Housman's period of religious introspection. It suggests that he channeled his disillusionment with organized religion into a narrative that challenged established beliefs and traditions. Through this tale, Housman may have sought to deconstruct the mythologies and ideologies that had shaped his early experiences with faith, offering a fictionalized exploration of the limitations and complexities of religious orthodoxy.

Housman's use of the term "iconoclastic" further underscores his departure from traditional religious norms. Iconoclasm refers to the rejection or destruction of religious icons and symbols, often as a form of protest or rebellion against established beliefs. By characterizing his tale as iconoclastic, Housman signals his intention to subvert and challenge the religious conventions that had previously held sway over his life.

In summary, the quote from Laurence Housman provides a glimpse into his personal evolution as a thinker and writer. It reflects his struggle to break free from the religious orthodoxy of his youth and his creative response to this internal conflict. Housman's exploration of religion as an obsession and his use of iconoclastic storytelling demonstrate his commitment to reevaluating and reimagining the role of faith in his life and artistic expression. This quote serves as a testament to Housman's intellectual and creative journey, offering valuable insight into the complexities of faith, doubt, and the pursuit of individual truth.