The way I look at it, a miracle is something contrary-wise to the course of nature, done by the power of will. If you like, something that couldn't happen without being especially willed.
— (Alec Guinness)
13 seconds sound clip from the The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1954) movie soundboard.
You can hear this line at 00:02:41 in the DVD version of the movie.
Quote context
[...]
- Not the sort of name I personally should have associated with a gift such as he possessed.
- Thanks, I don't mind if I do.
- Same again, Miss Maybridge, and half a pound of wallet for our new friend here.
- Well, you were talking about miracles.
- Now look here, before we go any further, let's clearly understand what a miracle is.
- Well isn't it? What do you say, sir? Am I right?
- A miracle is something contrary-wise to the course of nature, done by the power of will.
- Well no, not so far as it goes.
- Very well. Now let's take a common instance.
- Well, now let me show you what I mean by a miracle.
[...]