Atheism Quote by Alain de Botton
““We continue to need exhortations to be sympathetic and just, even if we do not believe that there is a God who has a hand in wishing to make us so. We no longer have to be brought into line by the threat of hell or the promise of paradise; we merely have to be reminded that it is we ourselves -- that is, the most mature and reasonable parts of us (seldom present in the midst of our crises and obsessions) -- who want to lead the sort of life which we once imagined supernatural beings demanded of us. An adequate evolution of morality from superstition to reason should mean recognizing ourselves as the authors of our own moral commandments.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Evolution of Morality” in The School of Life, 2015
Morality should shift from divine command to self‑authored reason, recognizing our own agency.
In simple terms: Morality comes from ourselves, not gods.
Key Takeaway
Own your moral decisions.
Themes
ethics
reason
self‑authority
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
essay
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal ethics
- public policy
- education reform
Key Concepts
secular morality
philosophical autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define your own moral compass?
- What role does community play in shaping personal ethics?
A Different Perspective
Transitioning from superstition can be socially unsettling.
![“the precepts of an absolutely perfect life, since they are the same in each Testament, have pointed out [to us] the same God, who certainly has promulgated particular laws adapted for each; but the more prominent and the greatest [commandments], without which salvation cannot [be attained], He has…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/the-church-fathers-1438_commandments_the-precepts-of-an-absolutely-perfect-li_33593.jpg)
