All I say is that I think it is damned unlikely that…
“All I say is that I think it is damned unlikely that anything like a central cosmic will, a spirit world, or an eternal survival of personality exist. They are the most preposterous and unjustified of all the guesses which can be made about the universe, and I am not enough of a hair-splitter to pretend that I don't regard them as arrant and negligible moonshine. In theory I am an agnostic, but pending the appearance of radical evidence I must be classed, practically and provisionally, as an atheist.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that belief in a central cosmic will, spirit world, or eternal personality survival is absurd and lacks evidence, positioning himself as an agnostic pending proof, but practically an atheist.
In simple terms: Belief in cosmic purpose or afterlife is unreasonable without evidence.
Key Takeaway
Adopt a skeptical, evidence‑based worldview.
Themes
skepticism
atheism
philosophy
existentialism
science
Mood
analytical
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
skeptical
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- debates on afterlife
- discussions on free will
- ethical decisions about belief
- education on critical thinking
Key Concepts
cosmology
ontology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change your stance?
- How do you handle uncertainty in existential matters?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook personal or cultural value of spiritual beliefs.