Atomism Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““Atomism was viciously persecuted as heresy throughout the early Christian era, and only one printed manuscript of De Rerum Naturum survived the flames. There are several translations; I have chosen the one translated by my fellow Devonian and Oxonian, W. Hannaford Brown. Brown’s own manuscript was almost destroyed during the Nazi bombardment of England in 1943: if a religious book had survived so many vicissitudes we can easily imagine what the faithful would say. But Lucretius teaches us to live without such piffle.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The End of Faith, 2004
Early Christian persecution of atomism shows how ideas survive despite suppression; Lucretius encourages living beyond religious dogma.
In simple terms: Ideas endure despite oppression; live beyond dogma.
Key Takeaway
Value intellectual freedom and critical thinking.
Themes
freedom
skepticism
history
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public discourse
- personal belief formation
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
science
religion
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern ideas face similar suppression?
- How can we protect intellectual diversity?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may oversimplify complex religious dynamics.
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