--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Maybe it’s because I’ve been sick and…" description: "\"“Maybe it’s because I’ve been sick and grumpy, but I’ve noticed the huge spate of atheist meetings, both past and upcoming, and it’s seemed to me that ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/jerry-a-coyne-13913_first-time_maybe-it-s-because-i-ve-been-sick-and-gr_1715631.jpg" --- # Maybe it’s because I’ve been sick and grumpy, but I’ve… ![“Maybe it’s because I’ve been sick and grumpy, but I’ve noticed the huge spate of atheist meetings, both past and upcoming, and it’s seemed to me that there are just too many. I know this is a sign of a successful and burgeoning movement of disbelief throughout the world, and I recognize that they…” quote by Jerry A. Coyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/jerry-a-coyne-13913_first-time_maybe-it-s-because-i-ve-been-sick-and-gr_1715631.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/jerry-a-coyne-13913_first-time_maybe-it-s-because-i-ve-been-sick-and-gr_1715631.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/jerry-a-coyne-13913_first-time_maybe-it-s-because-i-ve-been-sick-and-gr_1715631.jpg) > ““Maybe it’s because I’ve been sick and grumpy, but I’ve noticed the huge spate of atheist meetings, both past and upcoming, and it’s seemed to me that there are just too many. I know this is a sign of a successful and burgeoning movement of disbelief throughout the world, and I recognize that they give us greater visibility, and I understand that they serve as a useful venue for people to make connections as well as listen to their atheist “heroes.” But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks. And how much is there to say about a movement whose members are united, after all, by only one thing: disbelief in divine beings and a respect for reason and evidence. What more is there to say? \[...\] Still, a few things bothered me, most notably the air of self-congratulation (which I excused on the grounds of enthusiastic people finding like-minded folks for the first time), the “fanboyness” directed at some of the famous atheists (they hardly let poor Richard alone, and I’m not sure he liked that!), and the lameness of quite a few of the talks. Again, how much new can you say about atheism? And though I had a great time, this conference sated my appetite for a long while, and I’ve refused several invitations since. (I will, however, be at the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s meeting this October). \[Are there too many atheist meetings?\]”” [Jerry A. Coyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-a-coyne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker observes that atheist gatherings are proliferating, often featuring repetitive content and a culture of self‑congratulation, questioning the depth and novelty of discourse within the movement. **In simple terms:** Atheist events are many, repetitive, and sometimes self‑congratulatory. Key Takeaway Seek fresh perspectives and deeper dialogue. Themes atheism community repetition credibility dialogue Mood critical reflective skeptical Type observational analytical commentary When to use this quote - Conference attendance - online forums - local meet‑ups - public debates - educational workshops Key Concepts Intellectual humility social dynamics movement fatigue Questions to Reflect On - How can atheist groups foster more original content? - What role does community play in sustaining belief systems? 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I know this is a sign of a successful and burgeoning movement of disbelief throughout the world, and I recognize that they give us greater visibility, and I understand that they serve as a useful venue for people to make connections as well as listen to their atheist “heroes.” But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks. And how much is there to say about a movement whose members are united, after all, by only one thing: disbelief in divine beings and a respect for reason and evidence. What more is there to say? [...] Still, a few things bothered me, most notably the air of self-congratulation (which I excused on the grounds of enthusiastic people finding like-minded folks for the first time), the “fanboyness” directed at some of the famous atheists (they hardly let poor Richard alone, and I’m not sure he liked that!), and the lameness of quite a few of the talks. Again, how much new can you say about atheism? 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