Quotes With Meaning
the believer claims to know, not just that God exists, but that his most detailed wishes are not merely knowable but actually known. Since religion drew its first breath when the species lived in utter ignorance and considerable fear, I hope I may be forgiven for declining to believe that another human being can tell me what to do, in the most intimate details of my life and mind, and to further dictate these terms as if acting as proxy for a supernatural entity.
the believer claims to know, not just that God exists, but that his most detailed wishes are not merely knowable but actually known. Since religion drew its first breath when the species lived in utter ignorance and considerable fear, I hope I may be forgiven for declining to believe that another human being can tell me what to do, in the most intimate details of my life and mind, and to further dictate these terms as if acting as proxy for a supernatural entity.
This quote discusses the assertive nature of belief in religion, where followers often claim to understand not only that God exists but also the specifics of His desires for human behavior. Hitchens expresses skepticism towards anyone claiming to act as a mediator between individuals and a divine authority, especially since these claims often arise from a historical context of fear and ignorance. He advocates for personal autonomy, arguing that no one should dictate the intricacies of another's life based on supposed divine knowledge. This perspective emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the right to make personal choices without external imposition. In essence, it challenges the notion that anyone can truly know the will of a higher power, urging a mindset of critical thinking and personal responsibility in matters of belief and morality.