I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap. My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will; every man can follow his own conscience, provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him against the liberty of his fellow-men.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He rejects religion, calling for democracy, truth, and science while allowing personal conscience as long as it respects reason and liberty.
- In plain terms
- He wants a secular society based on reason and freedom.
- What can you take from it?
- Replace superstition with rational governance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can a society balance reason with cultural traditions?
- What safeguards protect personal conscience?
Another view
The call for absolute reason may overlook cultural and emotional aspects of life.
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