Clean heart Quote by Henrik Pontoppidan
““One entry was entitled: "About God": "This thought has been ascribed to Voltaire: If God did not exist, mankind would have invented Him. I find more truth in the reverse: If there really is a God, then we should seek to forget Him, to raise up men who will to do good for goodness' sake, not out of fear of punishment for their bad deeds. How can someone give alms to a poor man with a clean heart when he believes, and has an interest in believing, that there is a God who keeps score in heaven, who looks down and nods in approval?””
About This Quote
A critique of religious motivation, urging goodwill without divine reward expectations.
In simple terms: Do good without expecting divine reward.
Key Takeaway
Seek virtue for its own sake.
Themes
morality
religion
humanism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
Clean heart:1
Poor man:0
Religion:1
Believing God:0
God Thought:0
Voltaire God:0
Thought Ascribed:0
Entitled God:0
When to use this quote
- charitable acts
- personal integrity
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
secular ethics
intrinsic motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can virtue exist without belief?
- What drives altruism?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all can separate faith from morality.
