Atheism Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
““Morality, as far as I could see, originates in atheism and the realization that no higher power is coming along to feed the hungry or lift the fallen. Mercy is left entirely to us.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Nickel and Dimed, 2001
Morality stems from human responsibility, not divine command; we must care for each other without expecting supernatural aid.
In simple terms: Morality is human‑based, not god‑based.
Key Takeaway
Take responsibility for others.
Themes
ethics
humanism
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- social policy
- community aid
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
secular morality
compassion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster compassion without religious frameworks?
- What structures support secular moral education?
A Different Perspective
Relies on collective will, which can falter.
![“What would it mean in practice to eliminate all the 'negative people' from one's life [as demanded by motivational speaker J.P. Maroney]? It might be a good idea to separate from a chronically carping spouse, but it is not so easy to abandon the whiny toddler, the colicky infant, or the sullen…” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/187/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_abandon_what-would-it-mean-in-practice-to-elimin_140275.jpg)
![“Robert Jackall’s book [ Moral Mazes ] impressed on me that corporate dress serves a far more important function than mere body covering. “Proper management of one’s external appearances,” he writes, “simply signals to one’s superiors that one is prepared to undertake other kinds of…” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ead/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_attire_robert-jackall-s-book-moral-mazes-impres_186386.jpg)
![“You might discover that, nationwide, America's food banks are experiencing 'a torrent of need which [they] cannot meet' and that, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 67 percent of the adults requesting emergency food aid are people with jobs.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f16/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_food_you-might-discover-that-nationwide-ameri_237473.jpg)
