QuoteProject
If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him.
Voltaire
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that the concept of God is essential for human existence, even if God didn't exist originally.

Voltaire's quote implies that the idea of God serves a crucial function in human society, providing meaning, morality, and hope. It reflects on the human need for higher purpose and the way in which people may create beliefs or deities to fulfill that intrinsic desire for understanding and order in life.

Themes

GodExistenceBeliefHuman NaturePhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical discussion on the role of religion in culture.

More from Voltaire

Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.
VoltaireRead
It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
VoltaireRead
It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
VoltaireRead
We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
VoltaireRead
It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
VoltaireRead

Similar quotes

The generosity of the Earth allows us to feed all mankind; we know enough about ecology to keep the Earth a healthy place; there is enough room on the Earth, and there are enough materials, so that everybody can have adequate shelter; we are quite competent enough to produce sufficient supplies of necessities so that no one need live in misery.
E. F. SchumacherRead
In racing, there is no question who is best - the first one to cross the finish line wins first prize. But with wine, even if you make the best wine in the world, someone isn't going to like it, because it isn't their style. Judging wine is very subjective.
Mario AndrettiRead
Life is a video game. No matter how good you get, you are always zapped in the end.
John UpdikeRead
The state is nothing but an instrument of opression of one class by another - no less so in a democratic republic than in a monarchy.
Friedrich EngelsRead
Nor shall this peace sleep with her; but as when The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phoenix, Her ashes new-create another heir As great in admiration as herself.
William ShakespeareRead
The Devil' is, historically, the God of any people that one personally dislikes... This serpent, SATAN, is not the enemy of Man, but He who made Gods of our race, knowing Good and Evil; He bade 'Know Thyself!' and taught Initiation. He is 'The Devil' of the Book of Thoth, and His emblem is BAPHOMET, the Androgyne who is the hieroglyph of arcane perfection... He is therefore Life, and Love.
Aleister CrowleyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.