We know, and it is our pride to know, that man is by his…
““We know, and it is our pride to know, that man is by his constitution a religious animal; that atheism is against, not only our reason, but our instincts; and that it cannot””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans are naturally religious; atheism conflicts with both reason and instinct, making it hard to accept.
In simple terms: Humans have innate religious tendencies; atheism opposes them.
Key Takeaway
Respect innate tendencies while encouraging rational discourse.
Themes
philosophy
religion
human nature
reason
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
neutral
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- education curricula
- public policy
- personal reflection
- media narratives
Key Concepts
instinct
belief
skepticism
identity
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Can rational arguments overcome instinctual beliefs?
- What role does culture play in religious identity?
A Different Perspective
Atheism can be embraced intellectually despite instinctual resistance.