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They insisted on thinking of God as something outside…

“They insisted on thinking of God as something outside themselves. Something that yearns to take every indolent moron to His breast and comfort him. The notion that the effort has to be their own, and that the trouble they are in is all their own doing, is one that they can't or won't entertain.” quote by Robert A. Heinlein
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““They insisted on thinking of God as something outside themselves. Something that yearns to take every indolent moron to His breast and comfort him. The notion that the effort has to be their own, and that the trouble they are in is all their own doing, is one that they can't or won't entertain.””

Robert A. Heinlein

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Critique of external deity concepts, arguing that divine comfort removes personal responsibility and agency.

In simple terms: External gods can diminish personal responsibility.

Key Takeaway

Embrace personal agency over reliance on external saviors.

Themes

responsibility spirituality agency

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical skeptical

When to use this quote

  • ethical decision making
  • personal growth
  • spiritual crises

Key Concepts

theology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reliance on external forces affect your choices?
  • Can personal effort replace divine expectation?
A Different Perspective

Belief in external comfort can be psychologically limiting.

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