Abolish Quote by Roger Kimball
“It is significant that the socialist mentality is usually also an atheistic mentality, where atheism is understood not so much as the disbelief in God as the hatred of God˜an attitude as precarious logically as it has been destructive in practice. There is an important sense in which religion as traditionally understood reconciles humanity to imperfection and to failure. Since the socialist sets out to abolish failure, traditional religion is worse than _de trop_: it is an impediment to perfection.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Socialist Mentality and Atheism” by Roger Kimball, 2005
The quote argues that socialism’s atheistic stance removes a traditional buffer against human imperfection, making it more dangerous because it seeks to eliminate failure altogether.
In simple terms: Socialism’s atheism removes a safety net for human flaws.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of humility in social ideals.
Themes
politics
philosophy
religion
human nature
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political theory
- social movements
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
atheism
imperfection
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does removing religious humility affect political goals?
- Can a system without moral constraints sustain itself?
A Different Perspective
Religion can provide a necessary acceptance of imperfection.
