Man … has the wish not to die. This wish is originally…
![“Man … has the wish not to die. This wish is originally identical with the instinct of self-preservation. … Subsequently, … this primary negative wish becomes the positive wish for a life, and a better life, after death. … [T]his wish involves the further wish for the certainty of its fulfilment…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/59d/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_better-life_man-has-the-wish-not-to-die-this-wish-is_2761847.png)
““Man … has the wish not to die. This wish is originally identical with the instinct of self-preservation. … Subsequently, … this primary negative wish becomes the positive wish for a life, and a better life, after death. … [T]his wish involves the further wish for the certainty of its fulfilment. Reason can afford no such certainty. … Such a certainty requires an immediate personal assurance, a practical demonstration. This can only be given to me by … a dead person … rising again from the grave; and he must be no indifferent person, but … representative of all others, so that his resurrection also maybe the … guarantee of theirs. The resurrection of Christ is … the satisfied desire of man for an immediate certainty of his personal existence after death[.]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Feuerbach argues that belief in Christ’s resurrection satisfies humanity’s deep desire for certainty about personal survival after death, which reason cannot provide.
In simple terms: People seek certainty of life after death; faith offers that promise.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how belief can fulfill existential needs.
Themes
faith
existentialism
certainty
death
resurrection
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal grief
- religious practice
- ethical decision making
- comfort seeking
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does personal certainty mean to you?
- How do you balance faith and reason?
A Different Perspective
Faith may conflict with empirical evidence and rational skepticism.