famous limerick by Ronald Knox

Philosophical idealism expressed in a famous limerick by the theologian Ronald Knox:

 

There once was a man who said ‘God

Must think it exceedingly odd

If he finds that this tree

Continues to be

When there’s no one about in the Quad.’

 

…to which came the anonymously penned reply:

 

Dear Sir, Your astonishment’s odd:

‘I am always about in the Quad.

And that’s why the tree

Will continue to be,

Since observed by Yours faithfully, God.’