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About this quote

What does it mean?
The desire to live on is the root of religion, not the other way around.
In plain terms
Religion comes from hoping to live forever.
What can you take from it?
Understand that hope drives religious belief.

Where it applies

  • theology discussion
  • understanding religion

Putting it to work

  • analyze origins of beliefs
  • reflect on personal hopes

Questions to consider

  • Why do humans fear death?
  • Does religion serve another purpose?

Another view

Some religious beliefs focus on duty rather than eternal life.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

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  3. One laugh of a child will make the holiest day more sacred still.

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