Books Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““Authors as diverse as Matthew Arnold and George Orwell have given thought to the serious question: what is to be done about morals and ethics now that religion has so much decayed? Arnold went almost as far as to propose that the study of literature replace the study of religion. I must say that I slightly dread the effect that this might have had on literary pursuit, but as a source of ethical reflection and as a mirror in which to see our human dilemmas reflected, the literary tradition is infinitely superior to the childish parables and morality tales, let alone the sanguinary and sectarian admonitions, of the “holy” books.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “God Is Not Great” by Christopher Hitchens, 2007
The author argues that literature should replace religion as the primary source of moral guidance, because it offers nuanced reflection on human dilemmas.
In simple terms: Literature can guide morals better than religion.
Key Takeaway
Consider literature for ethical insight.
Themes
ethics
literature
religion
morality
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- University ethics courses
- personal moral decision making
- public policy debates
- literary criticism
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Secular humanism
moral philosophy
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can literature alone shape societal morals?
- What role should religion still play?
A Different Perspective
Literature may lack the communal authority and ritual that religion provides.
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