Quote by John Adams
The question before the human race is, whether the God of nature shall govern the world by his own laws, or whether priests and kings shall rule it by fictitious miracles.
Summary
This quote, attributed to founding father Thomas Paine, reflects the ongoing debate between a naturalistic explanation of the world versus one that relies on religious and political authority. Paine implies that the fundamental choice humanity faces is whether to allow the laws of nature, presumably based on reason and evidence, to guide society, or to submit to the control of those who profess authority through the supposed power of supernatural events and political institutions. It highlights the tension between faith and reason, advocating for a more secular and rational approach to governance.
Topics
Religion
By John Adams