I believe in the Supreme Being, in a Creator, whatever he…
““I believe in the Supreme Being, in a Creator, whatever he may be. I care little who has placed us here below to fulfil our duties as citizens and fathers of families; but I don't need to go to church to kiss silver plates, and fatten, out of my pocket, a lot of good-for-nothings who live better than we do. For one can know him as well in a wood, in a field, or even contemplating the eternal vault like the ancients. My God! mine is the God of Socrates, of Franklin, of Voltaire, and of Beranger! I am for the profession of faith of the 'Savoyard Vicar,' and the immortal principles of '89! And I can't admit of an old boy of a God who takes walks in his garden with a cane in his hand, who lodges his friends in the belly of whales, dies uttering a cry, and rises again at the end of three days; things absurd in themselves, and completely opposed, moreover, to all physical laws, which proves to us, by the way, that priests have always wallowed in turpid ignorance, in which they would fain engulf the people with them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Faith can be personal and direct, not confined to institutions; true belief may be found in nature and reason.
In simple terms: Faith is personal, not institutional.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal connection with the divine.
Themes
faith
individualism
skepticism
religion
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- nature walks
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
personal belief
institutional critique
nature as sacred
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal experiences feel sacred to you?
- How do you balance institutional religion with personal belief?
A Different Perspective
Religious traditions may limit personal experience.