Attributes Quote by James Madison
![“[The human mind] finds more facility in assenting to the self-existence of an invisible cause possessing infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, than in the self-existence of the universe, visibly destitute of these attributes, and which may be the effect of them.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4b/james-madison-373_attributes_the-human-mind-finds-more-facility-in-as_1808198.jpg)
“[The human mind] finds more facility in assenting to the self-existence of an invisible cause possessing infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, than in the self-existence of the universe, visibly destitute of these attributes, and which may be the effect of them.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Federalist Papers, No. 51, 1788
People more readily accept an unseen, all-powerful deity than a barren universe lacking those qualities, treating the latter as a possible result of the former.
In simple terms: Humans favor belief in a powerful invisible cause over a lifeless universe.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind unseen beliefs.
Themes
faith
philosophy
existence
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- debates on religion
- science education
- existential discussions
Key Concepts
theology
cosmology
human cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this preference shape societal values?
- What evidence could shift this bias?
A Different Perspective
Belief in a deity can be culturally entrenched, limiting open inquiry.
![“It is certain that every class is interested in [educational] establishments which give to the human mind its highest improvements, and to every Country its truest and most durable celebrity.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/james-madison-373_certain_it-is-certain-that-every-class-is-intere_22217.jpg)
