How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Monroe had commented that, like all elements of nature, the features of this magnificent topography were simply tokens of some other world, some deeper life with a whole other existence toward which we ought aim all our yearning. And Ada had then agreed. (6.46)
Sounds kind of like Inman's thoughts about longing for a world we can't see, right? This theme comes back over and over again in Cold Mountain, like the sunrise. And it's meant to evoke the same kind of longing for beauty.
Quote #8
But now, as she looked out at the view, she held the opinion that what she saw was no token but was all the life there is. It was a position in most ways contrary to Monroe's; nevertheless, it did not rule out its own denomination of sharp yearning, though Ada could not entirely set a name to its direction. (6.47)
The characters of Cold Mountain hold different views on how things work, but almost all the ones we know well experience some sort of longing. Is it the longing itself at the heart of the book's view of spirituality?
Quote #9
They had, as well, invented a holiday called Thanksgiving, which Ruby had only recently got news of, but from what she gathered its features to be, she found it to contain the mark of a tainted culture. To be thankful on just the one day. (8.22)
In lots of cultures and folktales, thankfulness is a huge part of what it means to be a spiritually aware person. Maybe that's what Ruby means here. Although we do like our pumpkin pie here at Shmoop.