This one is anybody's guess. I'll be the first one to say I don't know for sure. There seems to be no "from the horses mouth" answer from Smith. As a guess I would say Robert ran into someone who was deep in their own convictions, enough to be so certain that all the things in life were sussed out for them, therefore quite happy. Smith, being the freethinker was probably fascinated by this self-assured belief and captivated in some way by things that were said, kind of wishing he could remember the prolific words that were said after the fact because they sort of made sense at the time. Then again, under the influence of drink or drug, things may seem very prolific and interesting over dull mundane life and this is mere contemplation after the event. This also hints at people who proselytize their religious beliefs, being "strong", "faithful", "pure", etc. Smith being an atheist like many others could be just saying he'll never understand how people could firmly believe so securely their theology without evidence.
This one is anybody's guess. I'll be the first one to say I don't know for sure. There seems to be no "from the horses mouth" answer from Smith. As a guess I would say Robert ran into someone who was deep in their own convictions, enough to be so certain that all the things in life were sussed out for them, therefore quite happy. Smith, being the freethinker was probably fascinated by this self-assured belief and captivated in some way by things that were said, kind of wishing he could remember the prolific words that were said after the fact because they sort of made sense at the time. Then again, under the influence of drink or drug, things may seem very prolific and interesting over dull mundane life and this is mere contemplation after the event. This also hints at people who proselytize their religious beliefs, being "strong", "faithful", "pure", etc. Smith being an atheist like many others could be just saying he'll never understand how people could firmly believe so securely their theology without evidence.