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Atheism Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

“However modest one may be in one's demand for intellectual cleanliness, one cannot help feeling, when coming into contact with the New Testament, a kind of inexpressible discomfiture: for the unchecked impudence with which the least qualified want to raise their voice on the greatest problems, and…” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
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“However modest one may be in one's demand for intellectual cleanliness, one cannot help feeling, when coming into contact with the New Testament, a kind of inexpressible discomfiture: for the unchecked impudence with which the least qualified want to raise their voice on the greatest problems, and even claim to be judges of things, surpasses all measure. The shameless levity with which the most intractable problems (life, world, God, purpose of life) are spoken of, as if they were not problems at all but simply things that these little bigots KNEW!”

Friedrich Nietzsche

About This Quote

Source Book: Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche, 1886

Nietzsche criticizes the overconfidence of unqualified people who claim authority on profound existential questions, causing discomfort to thoughtful readers.

In simple terms: Unqualified people claim authority on deep issues, unsettling scholars.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and seek genuine expertise.

Themes

intellectual humility authority existential inquiry

Mood

skeptical critical reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • religious debate
  • personal reflection
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

epistemology hubris dogmatism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you discern genuine expertise?
  • What responsibilities accompany speaking on profound topics?
A Different Perspective

Such confidence can mask ignorance and hinder true understanding.

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