Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Diderot questions the concept of religious absolution with skepticism.
In plain terms
He doubts that religious rituals can erase sins.
What can you take from it?
Question simple fixes for moral wrongdoing.

Where it applies

  • moral discussion
  • religious critique
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • analyze religious claims
  • discuss ethics

Questions to consider

  • Can beliefs truly erase mistakes?
  • How do you view forgiveness?

Another view

It ignores the cultural comfort religion provides.

More from Denis Diderot

  1. The decisions of law courts should never be printed: in the long run, they form a counterauthority to the law.

    Permalink to quote #74
  2. The most dangerous madmen are those created by religion, and ... people whose aim is to disrupt society always know how to make good use of them on occasion.

    Permalink to quote #76
  3. The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action.

    Permalink to quote #73

Related quotes

  1. Any religion or philosophy which is not based on a respect for life is not a true religion or philosophy.

    Albert SchweitzerAlbert Schweitzer quote #6
  2. Many religious people are deeply suspicious. They seem - for purely religious purposes, of course - to know more about iniquity than the unregenerate.

    Rudyard KiplingRudyard Kipling quote #18
  3. You've just said a very revealing thing. Are you telling me that the only reason you don't steal and rape and murder is that you're frightened of God?

    Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins quote #77