Of course no one will consider,” said Anisim, and he…
““Of course no one will consider,” said Anisim, and he heaved a sigh. “There is no God, anyway, you know, mamma, so what considering can there be?” Varvara looked at him with surprise, burst out laughing, and clasped her hands. Perhaps because she was so genuinely surprised at his words and looked at him as though he were a queer person, he was confused. “Perhaps there is a God, only there is no faith. When I was being married I was not myself. Just as you may take an egg from under a hen and there is a chicken chirping in it, so my conscience was beginning to chirp in me, and while I was being married I thought all the time there was a God! But when I left the church it was nothing. And indeed, how can I tell whether there is a God or not? We are not taught right from childhood, and while the babe is still at his mother’s breast he is only taught ‘every man to his own job.’ Father does not believe in God, either. You were saying that Guntorev had some sheep stolen… I have found them; it was a peasant at Shikalovo stole them; he stole them, but father’s got the fleeces ... so that’s all his faith amounts to.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character debates the existence of God, expressing skepticism and confusion, highlighting how personal experience, faith, and societal teachings shape belief.
In simple terms: Questioning faith and God’s existence.
Key Takeaway
Explore personal beliefs critically.
Themes
faith
existentialism
skepticism
identity
culture
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- family discussions
- spiritual searching
- academic debate
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
psychology
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What experiences shape your belief system?
- How does doubt affect your worldview?
A Different Perspective
Faith can provide comfort; doubt can lead to existential anxiety.