The belief of God is not a matter of common sense, or…
““The belief of God is not a matter of common sense, or logic, or argument, but of feeling. It is as impossible to prove the existence of God as to disprove it. I do not believe in God. I see no need of such an idea. It is incredible to me that there should be an after-life. I find the notion of future punishment outrageous and of future reward extravagant. I am convinced that when I die, I shall cease entirely to live; I shall return to the earth I came from. Yet I can imagine that at some future date I may believe in God; but it will be as now, when I don't believe in Him, not a matter of reasoning or of observation, but only of feeling.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Belief in God is rooted in feeling rather than logical proof; both existence and non‑existence are unprovable.
In simple terms: Faith is feeling, not logic.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty about divine existence.
Themes
philosophy
religion
epistemology
existentialism
skepticism
Mood
contemplative
skeptical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- ethical decisions
- cultural discussions
- spiritual practice
- academic debate
Key Concepts
faith
subjectivity
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you base beliefs on feeling or evidence?
- What role does uncertainty play in your worldview?
A Different Perspective
Feelings can be unreliable guides for truth; cultural pressure may influence belief.