Atheism Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Gettysburg Address, 1863 (attributed)
The speaker argues that disbelief in God is plausible when looking down, but impossible when looking up, highlighting a paradox of faith.
In simple terms: Seeing heaven makes atheism hard.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the paradox of belief.
Themes
faith
existential doubt
perspective
Mood
thoughtful
contemplative
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- philosophical debates
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy of religion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does perspective shape belief?
- Can one reconcile doubt with awe?
A Different Perspective
Faith arguments can be culturally contingent.
![“...[T]hese people... are my dangerous accusers; because those who hear them suppose that anyone who inquires into such matters... theories about the heavens... and everything below the earth... must be an atheist.” quote by Socrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/522/socrates-405_inquiry_t-hese-people-are-my-dangerous-accusers_1521273.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
