Skip to content

Atheism Quote by William Congreve

“Turn pimp, flatterer, quack, lawyer, parson, be chaplain to an atheist, or stallion to an old woman, anything but a poet; for a poet is worse, more servile, timorous and fawning than any I have named.” quote by William Congreve
Download Open image
“Turn pimp, flatterer, quack, lawyer, parson, be chaplain to an atheist, or stallion to an old woman, anything but a poet; for a poet is worse, more servile, timorous and fawning than any I have named.”

William Congreve

About This Quote

The speaker lists many respectable roles but declares poet as the worst, viewing poets as servile and fawning compared to others.

In simple terms: Poets are seen as overly subservient and insincere.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of poetic honesty.

Themes

literature humor self‑deprecation

Mood

witty satirical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • literary criticism
  • self‑reflection
  • career choice

Key Concepts

social hierarchy artistic integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why does the speaker disdain poets?
  • What does this reveal about societal values?
A Different Perspective

May be a hyperbolic satire, not literal.

2.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by William Congreve

Explore all 103 William Congreve quotes

More Atheism quotes

Browse all 4,769 Atheism quotes