Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Bertrand Russell

And if there were a God, I think it very unlikely that He would have such an uneasy vanity as to be offended by those who doubt His existence. -Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel laureate (1872-1970)

Russell is right in thinking that God does not have a vanity that would be offended by anyone's doubt about his existence. But of course Russell is not really interested in exploring God's character. His aim, as is often the case, is to mock those who believe in God, and indeed, God Himself, which might well offend Him, since Russell really should know better.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Jalaluddin Rumi, poet and mystic (1207-1273)

Many demolitions are actually renovations. -Jalaluddin Rumi, poet and mystic (1207-1273)

Equally, many so-called renovations are actually demolitions.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and philosopher

Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones. -Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and writer (121-180)

Clearly, for Marcus Aurelius, the gods are made in his own image.