Dead man Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““[Religious belief] is a totalitarian belief. It is the wish to be a slave. It is the desire that there be an unalterable, unchallengeable, tyrannical authority who can convict you of thought crime while you are asleep, who can subject you - who must, indeed, subject you - to total surveillance around the clock every waking and sleeping minute of your life - I say, of your life - before you're born and, even worse and where the real fun begins, after you're dead. A celestial North Korea. Who wants this to be true? Who but a slave desires such a ghastly fate? I've been to North Korea. It has a dead man as its president, Kim Jong-Il is only head of the party and head of the army. He's not head of the state. That office belongs to his deceased father, Kim Il-Sung. It's a necrocracy, a thanatocracy. It's one short of a trinity I might add. The son is the reincarnation of the father. It is the most revolting and utter and absolute and heartless tyranny the human species has ever evolved. But at least you can fucking die and leave North Korea!””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2008, The Atlantic
The quote equates religious belief with an oppressive, all‑controlling system that demands total obedience and surveillance, likening it to a totalitarian regime.
In simple terms: Religion is portrayed as a tyrannical authority that enslaves believers.
Question authority and seek personal freedom.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- political activism
- academic debate
- secular advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Does the comparison overlook positive aspects of faith?
- How does power shape belief systems?
Religious belief can provide comfort and community for many.