Anguish Quote by Polly Toynbee
“Nothing keeps people together like the exalted conviction that they alone are to be spared that eternal anguish of hell fire to which everyone else will be condemned.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Age of Faith, Polly Toynbee, 1998
Moral superiority fuels division, as some claim exclusive salvation while condemning others.
In simple terms: Self‑righteous belief separates people.
Key Takeaway
Question exclusive claims to salvation.
Themes
religion
ethics
division
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
ethical
theological
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- social justice
- community building
- education
Key Concepts
theology
in‑group bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How does exclusivity affect compassion?
- Can universal empathy coexist with belief?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex theological views.
![“[The Catholic convent] had been like the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and there are white scars on my soul, where ignorance and superstition burnt me with their hell fire in those stifling days.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/556/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_catholic_the-catholic-convent-had-been-like-the-v_1190548.jpg)
![“The strain of engaging emotionally with all that misery was exhausting. The kindness and hard work of the care assistants here was worth far more than they were paid. But this is unseen, unmentionable labour, hidden away in these human oubliettes we would rather not think about [...]. It is…” quote by Polly Toynbee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c45/polly-toynbee-21635_equal-pay_the-strain-of-engaging-emotionally-with_941119.jpg)
