I prefer rationalism to atheism. The question of God and other objects-of-faith are outside reason and play no part in rationalism, thus you don't have to waste your time in either attacking or defending.
Interpretation
Rationalism values reason over faith, suggesting that beliefs about God should not distract from logical thinking.
In this quote, Isaac Asimov expresses a preference for rationalism, a worldview grounded in reason and logic, over atheism, which involves the belief that there is no God. He argues that the existence of God and similar faith-based beliefs are outside the realm of reason, implying that they do not deserve debate or conflict. This perspective encourages a focus on rational thought rather than engaging in the contentious discussions surrounding faith.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of science and reason, one might quote Asimov to emphasize the value of rationalism.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
A myth is far truer than a history, for a history only gives a story of the shadows, whereas a myth gives a story of the substances that cast the shadows.
Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded.
Perhaps the most difficult task for us to perform is to rely on God’s grace and God’s grace alone for our celebration. It is difficult for our pride to rest on grace. Grace is for other people—for beggars. We don’t want to live by a heavenly welfare system. We want to earn our own way and atone for our own sins. We like to think that we will go to heaven because we deserve to be there.
Anyone in a free society where the laws are unjust has an obligation to break the law.
Everybody is very much alike, really. But fortunately, perhaps, they don't realise it. - Miss Marple
Mostly what you lose with time, in memory, is the specificity of things, their exact sequence. It all runs together, becomes a watery soup. Portmanteau days, imploded years. Like a bad actor, memory always goes for effect, abjuring motivation, consistency, good sense.
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