Believing there's no God means I can't really be forgiven except by kindness and faulty memories. That's good; it makes me want to be more thoughtful. I have to try to treat people right the first time around.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker says lacking belief in God means forgiveness comes only from kindness and imperfect memory, motivating thoughtful behavior.
- In plain terms
- Without God, forgiveness relies on kindness and faulty memory, prompting care.
- What can you take from it?
- Act kindly because forgiveness isn’t guaranteed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does belief affect moral motivation?
- What role does memory play in forgiveness?
Another view
Some find forgiveness through spiritual means, not just kindness.
More from Penn Jillette
I'm saying, 'This I believe: I believe there is no God.' Having taken that step, it informs every moment of my life. I'm not greedy. I have love, blue skies, r…
Permalink to quote #12 I can read ideas from all different people from all different cultures. Without God, we can agree on reality, and I can keep learning where I'm wrong. We can a…
Permalink to quote #14 I believe that there is no God. I'm beyond atheism. Atheism is not believing in God. Not believing in God is easy - you can't prove a negative, so there's no w…
Permalink to quote #11
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