Atheism Quote by Thomas B. Macaulay
“The doctrine which, from the very first origin of religious dissensions, has been held by bigots of all sects, when condensed into a few words and stripped of rhetorical disguise, is simply this: I am in the right, and you are in the wrong. When you are the stronger, you ought to tolerate me; for it is your duty to tolerate truth. But when I am the stronger I shall persecute you; for it is my duty to persecute error.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: History of England, 1848
Bigotry reduces complex disagreements to a simple binary of right versus wrong, justifying oppression when the oppressor is stronger and demanding tolerance when weaker.
In simple terms: Bigots claim they are right and demand others accept it.
Key Takeaway
Question power dynamics in moral claims.
Themes
bigotry
power
morality
truth
conflict
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal debates
- educational curricula
- interfaith dialogues
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
ethical absolutism
social hierarchy
justice theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true truth exist without power?
- How can societies foster humility in belief?
A Different Perspective
This view ignores nuance and can legitimize injustice.
![“Here they [the Jaredites] became a flourishing nation; but, giving way in time to internal dissensions, they divided into factions, which warred with one another until the people were totally destroyed (p. 15).” quote by James E. Talmage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/844/james-e-talmage-19634_destruction_here-they-the-jaredites-became-a-flouris_648482.jpg)
