An infinite God ought to be able to protect himself…
“An infinite God ought to be able to protect himself, without going in partnership with State Legislatures. Certainly he ought not so to act that laws become necessary to keep him from being laughed at. No one thinks of protecting Shakespeare from ridicule, by the threat of fine and imprisonment.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A deity should be self‑sufficient, not needing human laws or alliances to avoid ridicule.
In simple terms: God shouldn't need laws to stay respectable.
Key Takeaway
Seek independence from external validation.
Themes
religion
state
authority
individualism
Mood
skeptical
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
satirical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- legal reform
- personal belief
- public discourse
Key Concepts
secularism
self‑sufficiency
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we rely too much on law to enforce respect?
- How can ideas survive without coercion?
A Different Perspective
Human institutions often fail to protect ideas from mockery.