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Superstition In All Ages
When we wish to examine in a cool, calm way the opinions of men, we are very much surprised to find that in those which we consider the most essential, nothing is more rare than to find them using common sense; that is to say, the portion of judgment sufficient to know the most simple truths, to reject the most striking absurdities, and to be shocked by palpable contradictions. We have an example of this in Theology, a science revered in all times, in all countries, by the greatest number of mortals; an object considered the most important, the most useful, and the most indispensable to the happiness of society. If they would but take the trouble to sound the principles upon which this pretended science rests itself, they would be compelled to admit that the principles which were considered incontestable, are but hazardous suppositions, conceived in ignorance, propagated by enthusiasm or bad intention, adopted by timid credulity, preserved by habit, which never reasons, and revered solely because it is not comprehended.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1732
49 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Jean Meslier
70 books18 followersJean Meslier (also Mellier; 15 June 1664 – 17 June 1729) was a French Catholic priest (abbé) who was discovered, upon his death, to have written a book-length philosophical essay promoting atheism and materialism. Described by the author as his "testament" to his parishioners, the text criticizes and denounces all religions.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 25, 2020
This book written by a Catholic priest was better than I hoped it would be with many good arguments that I can use in my conversations with my theists family members and friends. Rational arguments regarding the soul, free will and morality are my favorites. Free will being the most challenging for me when talking to theist. I have highlighted many sections and will use it as a reference tool.
June 6, 2021
A stunning piece of atheistic, anti-religious literature from the 18th Century.
Truly astonishing how exhaustive Meslier's writing is. Perhaps more astonishing is how little his work is known.
Truly astonishing how exhaustive Meslier's writing is. Perhaps more astonishing is how little his work is known.
April 25, 2018
The book is but the thoughts that I think are common to most of people about religions. It’s an interesting book to read and I was kind of surprised that a priest would come up with all these ideas in one book while spending time in service.
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July 25, 2025* Originally written in French as *Le Bon Sens* (Good Sense), *Superstition in All Ages* is a posthumously published abridgment of Meslier’s longer *Testament*.
* Meslier was a Catholic priest who secretly rejected religion and composed this radical treatise attacking all forms of religious belief.
* The text is a systematic critique of superstition, particularly organized religion, aiming to liberate human reason from theological dogma.
---
### **Key Themes and Arguments**
* **Denunciation of Religious Belief**
* Meslier asserts that all religions are founded on ignorance, fear, and deception.
* He claims that priests, prophets, and religious leaders manipulate the masses for power and control.
* No religion, he argues, has a monopoly on truth; all are equally irrational and harmful.
* **Attack on the Idea of God**
* Rejects the existence of a personal, interventionist deity.
* Argues that belief in God arises not from reason but from human weakness and the desire to explain the unknown.
* States that the idea of an all-powerful, benevolent God is incompatible with the suffering and injustice evident in the world.
* **Critique of the Bible and Clergy**
* Dissects biblical stories, pointing out contradictions, absurdities, and moral failings.
* Especially targets Christian doctrine and the Catholic Church for its hypocrisy, cruelty, and corruption.
* Calls the clergy "enemies of truth" who profit from human misery.
* **Moral Philosophy Without Religion**
* Proposes that humans are capable of living ethically without religious guidance.
* Emphasizes reason, empathy, and justice as natural bases for morality.
* Believes religion distorts moral judgment by substituting fear and obedience for rational deliberation.
* **Materialism and Naturalism**
* Asserts a materialist worldview: the universe is governed by physical laws, not supernatural forces.
* Denies the soul’s immortality and the existence of an afterlife.
* Encourages people to focus on improving earthly life rather than preparing for imaginary rewards or punishments after death.
* **Social and Political Implications**
* Links religion with political despotism, arguing that both serve to oppress the poor and maintain inequality.
* Calls for the liberation of human thought and the dismantling of both ecclesiastical and monarchical tyranny.
* Advocates for a society built on reason, justice, and equality.
---
### **Tone and Writing Style**
* **Tone:** Fiercely critical, uncompromising, and iconoclastic.
* **Writing Style:**
* Direct, polemical, and philosophical.
* Makes use of logical argumentation, rhetorical questions, and vivid analogies.
* Avoids academic complexity in favor of passionate, clear prose meant to persuade and provoke.
**How the Style Supports the Content:**
Meslier’s plain, forceful language reflects his desire to speak to ordinary people, not just scholars. The sharp, polemical tone underscores his moral urgency and radical purpose: to break the chains of religious superstition and empower free thought. The text’s simplicity enhances its revolutionary clarity.
---
### **Author Qualifications and Their Impact**
* **Jean Meslier (1664–1729)** was a French Catholic priest who served for decades in a rural parish while secretly writing one of the earliest and most comprehensive critiques of religion.
* His firsthand experience within the Church gave him deep insight into its doctrines and inner workings.
* Meslier’s moral integrity—remaining outwardly loyal while internally rejecting religion—adds gravity to his arguments.
* His *Testament* (from which *Superstition in All Ages* is drawn) was discovered after his death and became a foundational text for later Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Diderot.
* Meslier’s intellectual courage and rational clarity helped lay the groundwork for secularism, atheism, and humanist ethics in modern European thought.
* Meslier was a Catholic priest who secretly rejected religion and composed this radical treatise attacking all forms of religious belief.
* The text is a systematic critique of superstition, particularly organized religion, aiming to liberate human reason from theological dogma.
---
### **Key Themes and Arguments**
* **Denunciation of Religious Belief**
* Meslier asserts that all religions are founded on ignorance, fear, and deception.
* He claims that priests, prophets, and religious leaders manipulate the masses for power and control.
* No religion, he argues, has a monopoly on truth; all are equally irrational and harmful.
* **Attack on the Idea of God**
* Rejects the existence of a personal, interventionist deity.
* Argues that belief in God arises not from reason but from human weakness and the desire to explain the unknown.
* States that the idea of an all-powerful, benevolent God is incompatible with the suffering and injustice evident in the world.
* **Critique of the Bible and Clergy**
* Dissects biblical stories, pointing out contradictions, absurdities, and moral failings.
* Especially targets Christian doctrine and the Catholic Church for its hypocrisy, cruelty, and corruption.
* Calls the clergy "enemies of truth" who profit from human misery.
* **Moral Philosophy Without Religion**
* Proposes that humans are capable of living ethically without religious guidance.
* Emphasizes reason, empathy, and justice as natural bases for morality.
* Believes religion distorts moral judgment by substituting fear and obedience for rational deliberation.
* **Materialism and Naturalism**
* Asserts a materialist worldview: the universe is governed by physical laws, not supernatural forces.
* Denies the soul’s immortality and the existence of an afterlife.
* Encourages people to focus on improving earthly life rather than preparing for imaginary rewards or punishments after death.
* **Social and Political Implications**
* Links religion with political despotism, arguing that both serve to oppress the poor and maintain inequality.
* Calls for the liberation of human thought and the dismantling of both ecclesiastical and monarchical tyranny.
* Advocates for a society built on reason, justice, and equality.
---
### **Tone and Writing Style**
* **Tone:** Fiercely critical, uncompromising, and iconoclastic.
* **Writing Style:**
* Direct, polemical, and philosophical.
* Makes use of logical argumentation, rhetorical questions, and vivid analogies.
* Avoids academic complexity in favor of passionate, clear prose meant to persuade and provoke.
**How the Style Supports the Content:**
Meslier’s plain, forceful language reflects his desire to speak to ordinary people, not just scholars. The sharp, polemical tone underscores his moral urgency and radical purpose: to break the chains of religious superstition and empower free thought. The text’s simplicity enhances its revolutionary clarity.
---
### **Author Qualifications and Their Impact**
* **Jean Meslier (1664–1729)** was a French Catholic priest who served for decades in a rural parish while secretly writing one of the earliest and most comprehensive critiques of religion.
* His firsthand experience within the Church gave him deep insight into its doctrines and inner workings.
* Meslier’s moral integrity—remaining outwardly loyal while internally rejecting religion—adds gravity to his arguments.
* His *Testament* (from which *Superstition in All Ages* is drawn) was discovered after his death and became a foundational text for later Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Diderot.
* Meslier’s intellectual courage and rational clarity helped lay the groundwork for secularism, atheism, and humanist ethics in modern European thought.
July 10, 2022
With his dying words a Catholic priest asks his congregation for forgiveness for not telling them the truth earlier; that god is not real and religion only serves the church and monarchy. Did this happen last week and you just missed it? No, this is from 1732. Now ask yourself why we still have to put up with this superstition in our government, our schools and our public discourse after nearly three centuries. Think of all humanity could have accomplished in this time period without being distracted by fairy stories.
July 9, 2024
This book is commonly misattributed to Jean Meslier but is actually by Baron d’Holbach. Other than that it’s a good book with clear arguments that are still easy to read despite its age. Some editions do, however, include “Testament”, which actually is by Meslier.
The arguments are fairly standard, but it’s still worth learning how an 18th century philosopher advocated for atheism when even deism was taboo (and often criminal).
The arguments are fairly standard, but it’s still worth learning how an 18th century philosopher advocated for atheism when even deism was taboo (and often criminal).
June 7, 2021
Very thorough arguments, and it feels all the more compelling to know they were crafted by a man who spent his life preaching the very thing he is writing against.
February 21, 2013
These confessions should be read by every man!
March 23, 2014
very interesting; mercilessly argues against religious dogma that pretends to know the essence of God
August 23, 2015
Materyalist akımınında,antitezini bulacağınız bir kitap.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews