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The present system of taking oaths is horrible. It is…

“The present system of taking oaths is horrible. It is awfully absurd to make a man invoke God's wrath upon himself, if he speaks false; it is, in my judgment, a sin to do so.” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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“The present system of taking oaths is horrible. It is awfully absurd to make a man invoke God's wrath upon himself, if he speaks false; it is, in my judgment, a sin to do so.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

About This Quote

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

Swearing invokes divine judgment, which is morally problematic.

In simple terms: Swearing is a sin.

Key Takeaway

Avoid invoking divine wrath.

Themes

morality religion language

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal settings
  • everyday conversation
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

ethical speech spiritual accountability cultural norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies use oaths?
  • Can truth be upheld without them?
A Different Perspective

Some view oaths as necessary for honesty.

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