Atheism Quote by Charles Sanders Peirce
“If man were immortal he could be perfectly sure of seeing the day when everything in which he had trusted should betray his trust, and, in short, of coming eventually to hopeless misery. He would break down, at last, as every good fortune, as every dynasty, as every civilization does. In place of this we have death.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Fixation of Belief", 1877
Immortality would expose the futility of trust, revealing that all structures eventually crumble, making death the only certainty.
In simple terms: Even eternal life can't prevent betrayal and decay.
Key Takeaway
Recognize impermanence and value present trust.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
trust
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- relationships
- politics
- long‑term planning
Key Concepts
mortality
impermanence
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about how we build trust?
- How does mortality shape ethical choices?
A Different Perspective
Life's fragility may limit long‑term projects.
