Agnosticism Quote by David Hume
“... superstitions, which, being unable to defend themselves on fair ground, raise these intangling brambles to cover and protect their weakness. Chased from the open country, these robbers fly into the forest, and lie in wait to break in upon every unguarded avenue of the mind, and overwhelm it with religious fears and prejudices. ... The idea of God, as meaning an infinitely intelligent, wise and good Being, arises from reflecting on the operations of our own mind, and augmenting, without limit, those qualities of goodness and wisdom.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, David Hume, 1748
Religious beliefs often arise as defensive structures, covering mental weaknesses with fear and prejudice.
In simple terms: Religion can be a mental defense built on fear.
Key Takeaway
Question the foundations of faith and fear.
Themes
faith
fear
prejudice
defense mechanisms
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- personal belief systems
- public policy
- education
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
epistemology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears does your belief system address?
- Can faith coexist with critical inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Faith can provide comfort, making it resistant to rational critique.
