1956 Quote by Alfred Bester
““Cellar Christians!" Foyle exclaimed. He and Robin peered through the window. Thirty worshipers of assorted faiths were celebrating the New Year with a combined and highly illegal service. The twenty-fourth century had not yet abolished God, but it had abolished organized religion. "No wonder the house is man-trapped," Foyle said. "Filthy practices like that. Look, they've got a priest and a rabbi, and that thing behind them is a crucifix." "Did you ever stop to think what swearing is?" Robin asked quietly. "You say 'Jesus' and 'Jesus Christ.' Do you know what that is?" "Just swearing, that's all. Like 'ouch' or 'damn.'" "No, it's religion. You don't know it, but there are two thousand years of meaning behind words like that." "This is no time for dirty talk," Foyle said impatiently. "Save it for later. Come on.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester, 1953
The passage critiques the loss of sacred meaning when religious language is reduced to profanity, highlighting how words carry deep historical weight.
In simple terms: Words lose meaning when used as curses.
Key Takeaway
Respect the depth of religious language.
Themes
religion
language
meaning
culture
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
commentary
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- literary analysis
- theological study
- media criticism
Key Concepts
semantic erosion
cultural loss
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does casual use of sacred terms affect belief systems?
- Can language retain meaning without reverence?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue profanity is a personal choice, not a cultural issue.
![“You pigs, you. You rut like pigs, is all. You got the most in you, and you use the least. You hear me, you? Got a million in you and spend pennies. Got a genius in you and think crazies. Got a heart in you and feel empties. All a you. Every you...' [...] Take a war to make you spend. Take a jam to…” quote by Alfred Bester](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5ba/alfred-bester-12060_1956_you-pigs-you-you-rut-like-pigs-is-all-yo_1196508.jpg)
