Able Quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
“Consider the Koran... this wretched book was sufficient to start a world-religion, to satisfy the metaphysical need of countless millions for twelve hundred years, to become the basis of their morality and of a remarkable contempt for death, and also to inspire them to bloody wars and the most extensive conquests. In this book we find the saddest and poorest form of theism. Much may be lost in translation, but I have not been able to discover in it one single idea of value.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The World as Will and Representation, Arthur Schopenhauer, 1818
Schopenhauer criticizes the Qur'an as lacking valuable ideas, viewing it as a source of moral frameworks and conflict but spiritually impoverished.
In simple terms: He sees the Qur'an as morally influential yet spiritually empty.
Key Takeaway
Question the depth of religious texts beyond their social impact.
Themes
religion
philosophy
morality
conflict
interpretation
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
nihilism
metaphysics
cultural influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria define a "valuable idea" in sacred texts?
- How do cultural contexts shape our assessment of religious works?
A Different Perspective
Criticism may overlook nuanced theological insights.
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