Concept

Atheism

Overview

absence of belief in the existence of deities; the opposite of theism

Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).

In the original texts

Passages from public-domain books where Atheism is discussed.

I do not tell you to mingle, with this necessary faith, superstitious notions that disgrace it. Atheism is a monster that would prey on mankind only to satisfy its voracity. Superstition is another phantom, preying upon men as a deity. I have often observed that an atheist may be cured; but we rarely cure superstition radically.
Voltaire, Voltaire's Romances, Complete in One Volume
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That atheism is a most pernicious monster in those who govern; that it is the same in the men of their cabinet, since it may extend itself from the cabinet to those in office; that, although less to be dreaded than fanaticism, it is almost always fatal to virtue. And especially, let it be added, that there are fewer atheists now than ever--since philosophers have become persuaded that there is no vegetative being…
Voltaire, A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 02
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And for the attributes of the true God, they were never suggested but by the Word of God written. In that I say atheism is a sin of ignorance, he says I excuse it. The prophet David says, _the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God_. Is it not then a sin of folly? It is agreed between us, that right reason dictates, there is a God.
Thomas Hobbes, The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 04
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The causes of atheism are: divisions in religion, if they be many; for any one main division addeth zeal to both sides, but many divisions introduce atheism. Another is, scandal of priests, when it is come to that which St.
Francis Bacon, Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients
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Of Atheism I HAD rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the Talmud, and the Alcoran, than that this universal frame is without a mind. And therefore, God never wrought miracle, to convince atheism, because his ordinary works convince it. It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion. For while the mind of man looketh…
Francis Bacon, The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral
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Philosophers who discussed Atheism

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