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Adolescence Quote by Simone Weil

“In order to obey God, one must receive his commands. How did it happen that I received them in adolescence, while I was professing atheism? To believe that the desire for good is always fulfilled - that is faith, and whoever has it is not an atheist.” quote by Simone Weil
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“In order to obey God, one must receive his commands. How did it happen that I received them in adolescence, while I was professing atheism? To believe that the desire for good is always fulfilled - that is faith, and whoever has it is not an atheist.”

Simone Weil

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Need for Roots", 1949

Obeying God requires receiving divine commands; the paradox of receiving them during atheistic adolescence suggests faith is an innate desire for good, distinguishing believers from atheists.

In simple terms: Faith is an innate desire for good, beyond rational belief.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner moral desire.

Themes

faith divine command paradox atheism morality

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • spiritual seeking
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

theology existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does one reconcile faith with prior atheism?
  • What inner drives the desire for good?
A Different Perspective

Faith may conflict with rational skepticism.

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