Atheism Quote by David Bentley Hart
““Materialism is a conviction based not upon evidence or logic but upon what Carl Sagan (speaking of another kind of faith) called a “deep-seated need to believe.” Considered purely as a rational philosophy, it has little to recommend it; but as an emotional sedative, what Czeslaw Milosz liked to call the opiate of unbelief, it offers a refuge from so many elaborate perplexities, so many arduous spiritual exertions, so many trying intellectual and moral problems, so many exhausting expressions of hope or fear, charity or remorse. In this sense, it should be classified as one of those religions of consolation whose purpose is not to engage the mind or will with the mysteries of being but merely to provide a palliative for existential grievances and private disappointments. Popular atheism is not a philosophy but a therapy.””
About This Quote
Materialism is described as a comforting belief system lacking logical evidence, serving as an emotional escape rather than a rational philosophy.
In simple terms: Materialism acts like a soothing but unproven belief.
Key Takeaway
Recognize emotional comforts versus evidence‑based beliefs.
Themes
materialism
comfort
belief
faith
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
critical
existential
When to use this quote
- coping with uncertainty
- seeking meaning
- intellectual honesty
Key Concepts
existential therapy
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you use materialism as a crutch?
- How to balance comfort with rational inquiry?
A Different Perspective
It can hinder critical thinking if over‑relied upon.
![“The real distinction between a material and spiritual worldview, [William] James wrote does not rest in "hair splitting abstraction about matter's inner essence, or about the metaphysical attributes of God. Materialism means simply the denial that the moral order is eternal, and the cutting off of…” quote by Barbara Bradley Hagerty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/42a/barbara-bradley-hagerty-37060_attributes-of-god_the-real-distinction-between-a-material_2658420.jpg)
