Quotes With Meaning
I have met some highly intelligent believers, but history has no record to say that [s]he knew or understood the mind of god. Yet this is precisely the qualification which the godly must claim—so modestly and so humbly—to possess. It is time to withdraw our 'respect' from such fantastic claims, all of them aimed at the exertion of power over other humans in the real and material world.
I have met some highly intelligent believers, but history has no record to say that [s]he knew or understood the mind of god. Yet this is precisely the qualification which the godly must claim—so modestly and so humbly—to possess. It is time to withdraw our 'respect' from such fantastic claims, all of them aimed at the exertion of power over other humans in the real and material world.
The quote addresses the disconnect between the intelligence of some believers and their claims of understanding the divine mind. Hitchens points out that despite their intellect, there is no historical evidence supporting anyone's grasp of God's thoughts or intentions. He suggests that these claims, often made by religious figures, are not only unfounded but also serve to exert control over others. This reflects a broader critique of how religious authority can overshadow individual freedom and critical thinking. Ultimately, Hitchens advocates for a reassessment of the respect given to such claims, urging a more skeptical and pragmatic approach to faith and belief systems.