Against religion Quote by Laurence Sterne
“First, whenever a man talks loudly against religion, always suspect that it is not his reason, but his passions, which have got the better of his creed. A bad life and a good belief are disagreeable and troublesome neighbors, and where they separate, depend upon it, 'Tis for no other cause but quietness sake.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, 1759
Passions can dominate rational belief, causing conflict between heartfelt emotion and doctrinal reason, leading to inner unrest.
In simple terms: Strong emotions can override reason, creating tension between feeling and belief.
Balance emotion with reason to avoid inner conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debates on faith
- personal decision making
- moral dilemmas
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you separate passion from belief?
- Can reason coexist with strong emotion?
Passions may cloud judgment; reason is still needed.