Atheism Quote by Thomas Nagel
““In speaking of the fear of religion, I don’t mean to refer to the entirely reasonable hostility toward certain established religions and religious institutions, in virtue of their objectionable moral doctrines, social policies, and political influence. Nor am I referring to the association of many religious beliefs with superstition and the acceptance of evident empirical falsehoods. I am talking about something much deeper–namely, the fear of religion itself. I speak from experience, being strongly subject to this fear myself: I want atheism to be true and am made uneasy by the fact that some of the most intelligent and well-informed people I know are religious believers. I want atheism to be true and am made uneasy by the fact that some of the most intelligent and well-informed people I know are religious believers. It isn’t just that I don’t believe in God and, naturally, hope that I’m right in my belief. It’s that I hope there is no God! I don’t want there to be a God; I don’t want the universe to be like that.”(”The Last Word” by Thomas Nagel, Oxford University Press: 1997)””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Last Word, Oxford University Press, 1997
The author describes a deep, personal fear of religion, beyond rational criticism, rooted in a desire for a godless universe and discomfort with believers.
In simple terms: Deep fear of religion and desire for no god.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, explore personal beliefs.
Themes
faith
fear
atheism
existential
philosophy
Mood
philosophical
introspective
Type
critical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal journaling
- dialogue with believers
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
belief systems
existential anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does the idea of God unsettle you?
- How can you reconcile respect for believers with your doubts?
A Different Perspective
Fear may stem from uncertainty, not just doctrine.
