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Arrogance Quote by Christopher Hitchens

“I have been called arrogant myself in my time, and hope to earn the title again, but to claim that I am privy to the secrets of the universe and its creator — that's beyond my conceit. I therefore have no choice but to find something suspect even in the humblest believer. Even the most humane and…” quote by Christopher Hitchens
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““I have been called arrogant myself in my time, and hope to earn the title again, but to claim that I am privy to the secrets of the universe and its creator — that's beyond my conceit. I therefore have no choice but to find something suspect even in the humblest believer. Even the most humane and compassionate of the monotheisms and polytheisms are complicit in this quiet and irrational authoritarianism: they proclaim us, in Fulke Greville's unforgettable line, "Created sick — Commanded to be well." And there are totalitarian insinuations to back this up if its appeal should fail. Christians, for example, declare me redeemed by a human sacrifice that occurred thousands of years before I was born. I didn't ask for it, and would willingly have foregone it, but there it is: I'm claimed and saved whether I wish it or not. And if I refuse the unsolicited gift? Well, there are still some vague mutterings about an eternity of torment for my ingratitude. That is somewhat worse than a Big Brother state, because there could be no hope of its eventually passing away.””

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

A critique of religious authority, arguing that doctrines impose unseen control and threaten personal freedom, likening it to totalitarianism.

In simple terms: Religion as covert authority

Key Takeaway

Faith can be oppressive

Themes

religion authority freedom authoritarianism skepticism

Mood

critical skeptical cynical

Type

essay philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • debating faith vs. reason
  • critiquing doctrine
  • exploring existential dread
  • examining moral autonomy

Key Concepts

philosophy of religion political theory

Practical Applications

  • essay writing
  • public debate

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes religious doctrine feel authoritarian?
  • Can spiritual belief coexist with personal liberty?
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