Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him.
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.
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All quotes →He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.
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It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
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It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
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We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
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It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
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The legislative powers of government reach actions only and not opinions.
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If you stumble over mere believability, what are you living for? Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe? Reason is excellent for getting food, clothing and shelter. Reason is the very best tool kit. Nothing beats reason for keeping tigers away. But be excessively reasonable and you risk throwing out the universe with the bathwater
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[I]f vice and corruption prevail, liberty cannot subsist; but if virtue have the advantage, arbitrary power cannot be established.
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