Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
Atheists put on false courage and alacrity in the midst of their darkness and apprehensions, like children who, when they fear to go in the dark, will sing for fear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that atheists may mask their fears and uncertainties with a facade of bravery, similar to how children sing to comfort themselves in the dark.
In this quote, Alexander Pope uses the metaphor of children singing to assert that atheists, while facing their own existential fears and doubts in a world perceived as dark, often project a semblance of confidence and cheerfulness. This comparison highlights the human tendency to cope with fear through bravado, demonstrating that even those who reject faith may experience a struggle with apprehension and uncertainty about life and existence.
Themes
CourageFearDarknessAtheismBravery
In practice
Example use cases
A discussion on coping mechanisms during a theology class.
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