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To be an atheist is to maintain God. His existence or his…

“To be an atheist is to maintain God. His existence or his non existence, it amounts to much the same, on the plane of proof. Thus proof is a word not often used among the Handdarata, who have chosen not to treat God as a fact, subject either to proof or to belief: and they have broken the circle…” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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““To be an atheist is to maintain God. His existence or his non existence, it amounts to much the same, on the plane of proof. Thus proof is a word not often used among the Handdarata, who have chosen not to treat God as a fact, subject either to proof or to belief: and they have broken the circle, and go free. To learn which questions are unanswerable, and not to answer them: this skill is most needful in times of stress and darkness.””

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

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

Recognizing that questioning the existence of a deity can be a deliberate choice, freeing oneself from the need for proof or belief, especially under pressure.

In simple terms: Choosing not to prove God frees you from endless debate.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty as a tool for resilience.

Themes

philosophy spirituality uncertainty resilience

Mood

contemplative calm

Type

reflective philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • philosophical debate
  • stress management

Key Concepts

existentialism skepticism mental freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does embracing unanswerable questions affect your coping?
  • Can uncertainty be a source of strength?
A Different Perspective

The approach may neglect the comfort some find in faith.

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