Now, if anything at all can be known to be wrong, it seems to me to be unshakably certain that it would be wrong to make any sentient being suffer eternally for any offence whatever.
Antony FlewRead
Although I was once sharply critical of the argument to design, I have since come to see that, when correctly formatted, this argument constitutes a persuasive case for the existence of God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The author changed his perspective on the argument for design, recognizing it as a credible argument for God's existence.
Antony Flew explains that despite originally being critical of the design argument for the existence of God, his views evolved when he considered its formulation more thoroughly. He acknowledges that the argument, when articulated correctly, offers a compelling case that suggests the existence of a designer, which he interprets as God. This illustrates the importance of open-mindedness and the ability to change one's beliefs based on reasoned thought.
Themes
DesignGodExistenceArgumentPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical debate on the existence of God, this quote could serve to introduce the idea that perspectives can shift over time.
More from Antony Flew
All quotes →What would have to occur or to have occurred to constitute for you a disproof of the love of, or the existence of, God?
Antony FlewRead
Similar quotes
Seeking means: to have a goal; but finding means: to be free, to be receptive, to have no goal.
Hermann HesseRead
Some facts should be suppressed, or, at least, a just sense of proportion should be observed in treating them.
Arthur Conan DoyleRead
And as far as I can see the world is too old for us to talk about it with our new words.
Jack KerouacRead
While overeating would be seen by some as an indulgence of self, it is in fact a profound rejection of self. It is a moment of self-betrayal and self-punishment, and anything but a commitment to one's own well-being.
Marianne WilliamsonRead
You may think you find peace in Christ when you have no outward troubles, but is Christ your peace when the Assyrian comes into the land, when the enemy comes?...Jesus Christ would be peace to the soul when the enemy comes into the city, and into your houses.
Jeremiah BurroughsRead
Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical.
Blaise PascalRead