"In the first place, it is clear that by self-existence we especially mean, an existence independent of any other — not produced by any other: the assertion of self-existence is simply an indirect denial of creation.... Self-existence, therefore, necessarily means existence without a beginning; and to form a conception of self-existence is to form a conception of existence without a beginning. Now by no mental effort can we do this.... To this let us add, that even were self-existence conceivable, it would not in any sense be an explanation of the Universe.... Thus the Atheistic theory is not only absolutely unthinkable, but, even if it were thinkable, would not be a solution. The assertion that the Universe is self-existent does not really carry us a step beyond the cognition of its present existence; and so leaves us with a mere restatement of the mystery."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Herbert Spencer, First Principles (1862). London: Williams and Norgate, pp. 32–33.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Atheism
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Atheism
237 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Atheism →
Related Quotes
"Even atheists rebel and express, like Hardy and Housman, their rage against God although (or because) He does not, on…"
"All I say is that I think it is damned unlikely that anything like a central cosmic will, a spirit world, or an etern…"
"Für diejenigen, die schon in den Atheismus hineingeboren wurden, ist es ein Glaube wie jeder andere. Ein wirklicher A…"
"Were it possible to induce the masses to adopt atheism, this belief would exhibit all the intolerant ardor of a relig…"
"... und ich dank es dem lieben Gott tausendmal, daß er mich zum Atheisten hat werden lassen."
"Lastly, Those are not at all to be tolerated who deny the Being of a God. Promises, Covenants, and Oaths, which are t…"
"Having insured the moderation of a fanatical rabble, by giving out among them the savage war-whoop of atheism, he (Ed…"
"Atheist ist nur der, der sich auch aus dem Atheismus keinen Gott macht."
"As long as the prerequisite for that shining paradise is ignorance, bigotry and hate, I say to hell with it."
"Until someone claims to see Christopher Hitchens' face in a tree stump, idiots must stop claiming that atheism is a r…"