Atheism Quote by Terry Eagleton
““In the pragmatist, streetwise climate of advanced postmodern capitalism, with its scepticism of big pictures and grand narratives, its hard-nosed disenchantment with the metaphysical, 'life' is one among a whole series of discredited totalities. We are invited to think small rather than big – ironically, at just the point when some of those out to destroy Western civilization are doing exactly the opposite. In the conflict between Western capitalism and radical Islam, a paucity of belief squares up to an excess of it. The West finds itself faced with a full-blooded metaphysical onslaught at just the historical point that it has, so to speak, philosophically disarmed. As far as belief goes, postmodernism prefers to travel light: it has beliefs, to be sure, but it does not have faith.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Postmodernism and the Crisis of Belief”, 1995
Postmodernism rejects grand narratives, leaving fragmented belief, while Western capitalism faces a metaphysical challenge.
In simple terms: Postmodernism fragments belief.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions.
Themes
postmodernism
capitalism
belief
metaphysics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- academic seminars
- policy debates
- media analysis
- public forums
Key Concepts
skepticism
grand narratives
cultural conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What narratives are we losing?
- How can we rebuild meaningful belief?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex ideologies.
