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Belief Quote by E. Haldeman-Julius

“When confronted by a ‘believer’ it is easy for me to contrast the views of the skeptic with those of the rationalist. I simply reach into my pocket and pull out my change. Holding a quarter aloft, I say, ‘This is a most remarkable coin, for it is heavier than all the sins of humanity committed…” quote by E. Haldeman-Julius
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““When confronted by a ‘believer’ it is easy for me to contrast the views of the skeptic with those of the rationalist. I simply reach into my pocket and pull out my change. Holding a quarter aloft, I say, ‘This is a most remarkable coin, for it is heavier than all the sins of humanity committed since the beginning of the human race.’ I then hold up a nickel and say, ‘This coin is even more amazing, as it is brighter and shinier than the flames that proceeded from the Burning Bush discovered on Mt. Sinai by Moses.’ Then I raise a penny and state, ‘This portrait of President Lincoln is more realistic and true-to-life than any portrait of Satan ever painted.’ And finally, I hold out a bright, shiny dime and say, ‘And this dime is the most amazing of all because it is heavier and contains more precious metals than all the gold bricks in the streets of Heaven.’ I end with ‘Give to Caesar what is his, and hold the rest of it dear—for it is all you see and touch—and the Christian god can take care of all his things, for they amount to less than this 41 cents I hold here in my hand.””

E. Haldeman-Julius

About This Quote

The speaker uses coins as metaphors to illustrate that material wealth and symbols are trivial compared to spiritual or moral values.

In simple terms: Coins symbolize triviality of material wealth versus deeper values.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize spiritual over material concerns.

Themes

materialism spirituality values religion

Mood

contemplative critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • public speech
  • teaching session

Key Concepts

metaphor critique of wealth moral hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly holds value in your life?
  • How do symbols influence belief?
A Different Perspective

Material focus can distract from deeper truths.

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