Atheism Quote by Euripides
“Doth some one say that there be gods above? There are not; no, there are not. Let no fool, Led by the old false fable, thus deceive you. Look at the facts themselves, yielding my words, No undue credence: for I say that kings kill, rob, break oaths, lay cities waste by fraud, And doing thus are happier than those, Who live calm pious lives day after day. All divinity is built-up from our good and evil luck.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Bacchae by Euripides, c. 405 BC
The quote argues that human actions, especially violent and selfish ones, are often more rewarding than pious, peaceful living, suggesting that divinity is a construct based on luck and morality.
In simple terms: Human cruelty is often rewarded, while piety is not.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral value of power and luck.
Themes
power
morality
divinity
human nature
Mood
skeptical
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
provocative
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- war
- personal ambition
- religious practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
mythology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think power corrupts inherently?
- Can virtue thrive without reward?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the role of societal structures that can punish cruelty.
