Quotes With Meaning
I was raised thinking that moral and ethical standards are universals that apply equally to everyone. And these values aren't easily compatible with the kind of religion that posits a Creator. To my way of thinking, an omnipotent being who sets up a universe in which thinking beings proliferate, grow old, and die (usually in agony, alone, and in fear) is a cosmic sadist.
I was raised thinking that moral and ethical standards are universals that apply equally to everyone. And these values aren't easily compatible with the kind of religion that posits a Creator. To my way of thinking, an omnipotent being who sets up a universe in which thinking beings proliferate, grow old, and die (usually in agony, alone, and in fear) is a cosmic sadist.
Charles Stross reflects on the tension between universal moral values and the concept of a Creator who allows suffering in the world. He was raised to believe that ethical standards apply to everyone equally, suggesting a belief in inherent justice. However, he finds this belief clashing with the idea of an omnipotent being who designs a universe where pain and death are inevitable. This leads him to question the nature of such a Creator, viewing them as indifferent or even cruel. In essence, Stross challenges the compatibility of his moral upbringing with traditional religious views, highlighting a profound discomfort with the implications of divine power. This perspective invites us to critically examine our own beliefs about morality and the nature of existence. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of questioning the ethical frameworks we accept and how they align with our understanding of life and suffering.