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The Quotable Atheist: Ammunition for Non-Believers, Political Junkies, Gadflies, and Those Generally Hell-Bound
Surprisingly, no book of quotations on God and religion by atheists and agnostics exists. Luckily, for the millions of American nonbelievers who have quietly stewed for years as the religious right made gains in politics and culture, the wait is over. Bestselling author Jack Huberman's zeitgeist sense has honed into the backlash building against religious fundamentalism and collected a veritable treasure trove of quotes by philosophers, scientists, poets, writers, artists, entertainers, and political figures. His colorful cast of atheists includes Karen Armstrong, Lance Armstrong, Jules Feiffer, Federico Fellini, H. L. Mencken, Ian McKellen, Isaac Singer, Jonathan Swift, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Virginia Woolf and the Marquis de Sade.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 11, 2019
This book has helped me realize I won't be alone in hell.
July 31, 2020
A collection of atheist quotes – some of them witty and some dead-dry – more so for the physicists and cosmologists who can’t seem to understand the emotional pull of religion. Most of them are on Christianity and there is a good historical assemblage of atheists. Funny how many in the early 20th century felt the end of religion was at hand – if they only knew.
There are also entertaining comments from the author or editor, Jack Huberman, on each of the originators of the quotes.
Here are some of the better ones:
Gene Rodenberry (creator of Star Trek) – People were saying I would have to have a chaplain on board the Enterprise. I replied, “No, we don’t.”
J. Krishnamurti – There is only you – your relationship with others, and with the world – there is nothing else.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini – There is no play in Islam… It is deadly serious about everything
(he always looks like such a fun-loving guy in pictures… my comment)
Barry Goldwater (Republican candidate for President in 1964 - and this quote is from 1981!) – I’m frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are?... I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate.
Yuri Gagarin (first man in space (1961), a Russian) – I don’t see any god up here.
Pontiac (Ottawa Indian leader) – They came with a Bible and their religion, stole our land, crushed our spirit, and now tell us we should be thankful to the Lord for being saved.
Jean-Paul Sartre – Existentialism isn’t so atheistic that it wears itself out showing that God doesn’t exist. Rather, it declares that even if God did exist, that would change nothing.
There are also entertaining comments from the author or editor, Jack Huberman, on each of the originators of the quotes.
Here are some of the better ones:
Gene Rodenberry (creator of Star Trek) – People were saying I would have to have a chaplain on board the Enterprise. I replied, “No, we don’t.”
J. Krishnamurti – There is only you – your relationship with others, and with the world – there is nothing else.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini – There is no play in Islam… It is deadly serious about everything
(he always looks like such a fun-loving guy in pictures… my comment)
Barry Goldwater (Republican candidate for President in 1964 - and this quote is from 1981!) – I’m frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are?... I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate.
Yuri Gagarin (first man in space (1961), a Russian) – I don’t see any god up here.
Pontiac (Ottawa Indian leader) – They came with a Bible and their religion, stole our land, crushed our spirit, and now tell us we should be thankful to the Lord for being saved.
Jean-Paul Sartre – Existentialism isn’t so atheistic that it wears itself out showing that God doesn’t exist. Rather, it declares that even if God did exist, that would change nothing.
October 12, 2017
This book contains a great number of quotations, regarding disbelief in religion. The collection of quotes are from a diverse range of people throughout history; politicians, comedians, actors, feminists, scientists, ancient thinkers.
This book pleasantly surprised me, because on every page, there was a quotation from an individual, that I didn't necessarily know was an atheist.
I must admit, that some of these quotes were actually rather funny, but, they also highlight the absurdity of religion and some of the primary views on it. I think this book is aimed at atheists in general, to possibly give them some fuel to be able to put that person that always argues with you regarding religion, in their place!
There were so many quotations that I liked, but here are a few of my favourites;
Sir Winston Churchill "Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on"
Charles Darwin "We allow satellites, planets, suns, the universe, nay whole systems of universe, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act"
Richard Dawkins "I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world"
This book pleasantly surprised me, because on every page, there was a quotation from an individual, that I didn't necessarily know was an atheist.
I must admit, that some of these quotes were actually rather funny, but, they also highlight the absurdity of religion and some of the primary views on it. I think this book is aimed at atheists in general, to possibly give them some fuel to be able to put that person that always argues with you regarding religion, in their place!
There were so many quotations that I liked, but here are a few of my favourites;
Sir Winston Churchill "Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on"
Charles Darwin "We allow satellites, planets, suns, the universe, nay whole systems of universe, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act"
Richard Dawkins "I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world"
August 21, 2008
Take this Bad boy with you to Bible study.
August 3, 2007
It is easy to rate this book very highly because it is a compilation of quotes down the ages. It is really well put together. I remember coming across it in a book store and I just had to keep going. Some quotes were so funny. They highlight the absurdity of religion, especially the fundamental views on it, so prevalent today.
Tom, I bought it and I looove it. Remember we saw it in that independent bookstore in Boulder?
Tom, I bought it and I looove it. Remember we saw it in that independent bookstore in Boulder?
May 16, 2021
Diagoras "the Atheist" of Melos
(fifth century B.C.E.)
Greek poet. Became an atheist after a man who perjured against him went unpunished by the gods. When he was shown votive pictures of people reportedly saved from storms at sea by making vows to the gods, he replied, "there are nowhere any pictures of those who have been drowned." When he found himself aboard a ship in a dangerous storm and the crew thought they had brought it on themselves by taking this blasphemer on board, Diagoras asked if the other boats out in the same storm also had a Diagoras on board. Once threw a wooden image of a god into a fire, remarking that the deity should perform another miracle and save itself. The hullabaloo this caused in Athens forced him to flee for his life. Athens offered a reward for his capture dead or alive. Lived out his life in Spartan territory.
Thomas Jefferson
1743-1826, 3rd U.S. president
Went so far as to edit the gospels, removing the miracles and mysticism of Jesus, leaving only what he deemed the correct moral philosophy.
"Question with boldness even the existence of a god."
Jack Kevorkian
1928-2011, a.k.a. "Dr. Death"
American pathologist and right-to-die activist. Claimed to have helped at least 130 people to die. In 1999, began serving a 10- to 25-year prison sentence for second-degree murder in an assisted suicide, a videotape of which he gave to 60 Minutes.
Identifying his god: "Bach. At least I didn't make mine up."
Bill Maher
1956-, American comedian, political commentator, host of Real Time
On the problem with organised religion: "You can't talk directly to god. That is bad. First you've got to talk to a priest. Then Mary. Then Jesus...It's like going to the DMW."
(fifth century B.C.E.)
Greek poet. Became an atheist after a man who perjured against him went unpunished by the gods. When he was shown votive pictures of people reportedly saved from storms at sea by making vows to the gods, he replied, "there are nowhere any pictures of those who have been drowned." When he found himself aboard a ship in a dangerous storm and the crew thought they had brought it on themselves by taking this blasphemer on board, Diagoras asked if the other boats out in the same storm also had a Diagoras on board. Once threw a wooden image of a god into a fire, remarking that the deity should perform another miracle and save itself. The hullabaloo this caused in Athens forced him to flee for his life. Athens offered a reward for his capture dead or alive. Lived out his life in Spartan territory.
Thomas Jefferson
1743-1826, 3rd U.S. president
Went so far as to edit the gospels, removing the miracles and mysticism of Jesus, leaving only what he deemed the correct moral philosophy.
"Question with boldness even the existence of a god."
Jack Kevorkian
1928-2011, a.k.a. "Dr. Death"
American pathologist and right-to-die activist. Claimed to have helped at least 130 people to die. In 1999, began serving a 10- to 25-year prison sentence for second-degree murder in an assisted suicide, a videotape of which he gave to 60 Minutes.
Identifying his god: "Bach. At least I didn't make mine up."
Bill Maher
1956-, American comedian, political commentator, host of Real Time
On the problem with organised religion: "You can't talk directly to god. That is bad. First you've got to talk to a priest. Then Mary. Then Jesus...It's like going to the DMW."
July 9, 2010
If you want ammunition to answer the religious zealots and their less than enlightened ilk, look no further. The subtitle of this book is pretty accurate as it will give skeptics, non-believers, etc. plenty to think about and to toss back at those who like to cite verse of whatever their sacred text might be. However, do not think that this is a book of just non-believer quotes. The book does feature quotes by popes, preachers, ministers and other assorted religious leaders as well. The result is that not only do you get a quotations book, but you get a sense of arguments and conversations and debates over time. You also get some pretty interesting quotes from people you might not expect. I personally found a quote by Anton LeVay to be particularly interesting and relevant to our time. You may end up finding something relevant to your experience as well.
Besides the quotes, another strength of the book are the notes from the editor about each personality. There are a lot of people quoted here that I had never heard of before. That is not an obstacle because Mr. Huberman does give pretty good notes on each person. In addition, he often injects a bit of humor into the biographical notes. Sometimes, those little jokes are more entertaining than the quotes. I think non-believers, atheists, agnostics, and other free thinkers and open-minded people will like this book, and they may want to keep a copy handy. As for the religious, if they happen to be of the liberal stripe, they might appreciate it. The close-minded right wingers probably should skip it. OK, they probably should be reading it to expand their mind, but it is know that they would not like anything that could make them think.
Besides the quotes, another strength of the book are the notes from the editor about each personality. There are a lot of people quoted here that I had never heard of before. That is not an obstacle because Mr. Huberman does give pretty good notes on each person. In addition, he often injects a bit of humor into the biographical notes. Sometimes, those little jokes are more entertaining than the quotes. I think non-believers, atheists, agnostics, and other free thinkers and open-minded people will like this book, and they may want to keep a copy handy. As for the religious, if they happen to be of the liberal stripe, they might appreciate it. The close-minded right wingers probably should skip it. OK, they probably should be reading it to expand their mind, but it is know that they would not like anything that could make them think.
October 22, 2010
The Quotable Atheist begins with an unexpectedly incisive introduction in which Huberman proves he is more than just a humourist. Capable of prose easily as thoughtful and penetrating as that of some of the more well-known atheist writers, he gets straight into it - what is religion, how has it flourished, why does it continue, what do we mean by 'God' anyway, and come to think of it, what do we mean by 'atheist'? It's all done and dusted within a mere 10 pages, but it's a surprisingly impressive polemic and a worthy inclusion.
Then we get to the quotes. I've no idea how many there are, but with 333 pages, most containing several, I'd guess upward of 1,000. And what an eclectic mix of figures they come from! Although Huberman is Canadian-American, his choice doesn't immediately betray that: from Clarkson to Toynbee, from Pinter to Pratchett, from Spinoza to the Simpsons, they're all here, spanning the globe and the centuries. He even lets the likes of Reagan and Falwell do their own digging. (You quickly learn from his commentary that Huberman is unapologetically liberal, but the strength of the quotes and diversity of their sources certainly doesn't depend on your sharing any one political bent.) Finally, he is sure to include those oft-misconstrued figures, Albert Einstein - cited here claiming he did not believe in a personal God - and Adolf Hitler - claiming he did.
In measuring the success of the book, an obvious question to ask is, who is it aimed at? Perhaps unsurprisingly, I'd say its largest appeal will be to non-believers looking for insight, 'ammunition' or just recognition-value humour. No doubt some believers will end up having it bought for them by 'considerate friends', and for these readers - who might otherwise balk at the thought of taking on a 400-page atheist diatribe - the dip-in-dip-out nature of this book should pique their interest, as should some of the well-known names. To the question of whether this book will convert believers, Huberman's answer is realistic: "Yes. A few. Three, I estimate. Two for sure."
There are a few downsides - Huberman's commentary that accompanies each quote is for the most part funny and apt, but occasionally grates. Also the book suffers from so many typos and repeated words that you start to wonder if it was actually proof-read at all. None of this is enough to knock off a star though.
With argument, persuasion and a dose of good old fashioned ridicule, The Quotable Atheist is probably one of the most entertaining anti-religious books you will read. If your bookshelf already contains some Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris, treat yourself to this one, as it's a worthy addition to the 'classics'. Don't be put off by the fact that it's an easier read: it's lined with some laugh-out-loud humour, but believe me, there's no shortage of real insight from genuine thinkers.
Then we get to the quotes. I've no idea how many there are, but with 333 pages, most containing several, I'd guess upward of 1,000. And what an eclectic mix of figures they come from! Although Huberman is Canadian-American, his choice doesn't immediately betray that: from Clarkson to Toynbee, from Pinter to Pratchett, from Spinoza to the Simpsons, they're all here, spanning the globe and the centuries. He even lets the likes of Reagan and Falwell do their own digging. (You quickly learn from his commentary that Huberman is unapologetically liberal, but the strength of the quotes and diversity of their sources certainly doesn't depend on your sharing any one political bent.) Finally, he is sure to include those oft-misconstrued figures, Albert Einstein - cited here claiming he did not believe in a personal God - and Adolf Hitler - claiming he did.
In measuring the success of the book, an obvious question to ask is, who is it aimed at? Perhaps unsurprisingly, I'd say its largest appeal will be to non-believers looking for insight, 'ammunition' or just recognition-value humour. No doubt some believers will end up having it bought for them by 'considerate friends', and for these readers - who might otherwise balk at the thought of taking on a 400-page atheist diatribe - the dip-in-dip-out nature of this book should pique their interest, as should some of the well-known names. To the question of whether this book will convert believers, Huberman's answer is realistic: "Yes. A few. Three, I estimate. Two for sure."
There are a few downsides - Huberman's commentary that accompanies each quote is for the most part funny and apt, but occasionally grates. Also the book suffers from so many typos and repeated words that you start to wonder if it was actually proof-read at all. None of this is enough to knock off a star though.
With argument, persuasion and a dose of good old fashioned ridicule, The Quotable Atheist is probably one of the most entertaining anti-religious books you will read. If your bookshelf already contains some Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris, treat yourself to this one, as it's a worthy addition to the 'classics'. Don't be put off by the fact that it's an easier read: it's lined with some laugh-out-loud humour, but believe me, there's no shortage of real insight from genuine thinkers.
December 19, 2009
Yes I believe that religion is one of the ills of society and would love to see people break down these silos and deal with life from a reality perspective. The programing of people as religious disciples from a young age propagates global dysfunction and will always impede global harmony. Religion causes a problem where none exists
This book contains excerpts of statements from some of the great intellectuals, scientist, philosophers, artists, etc... throughout history and there perspective on religion in general.
Interesting to have this insight into many like minded historically notable individuals whom I had no idea shared ideas I personally embrace.
Similar in vein to Christopher Hitchens "Portable Atheist"
This book contains excerpts of statements from some of the great intellectuals, scientist, philosophers, artists, etc... throughout history and there perspective on religion in general.
Interesting to have this insight into many like minded historically notable individuals whom I had no idea shared ideas I personally embrace.
Similar in vein to Christopher Hitchens "Portable Atheist"
July 25, 2012
This is basically a collection of quotations regarding (disbelief) in religion. It's very interesting and I like to find different ones to add to my work email. They are also convenient when wanting to annoy that Christian we all know: racist, hypocritical, smug.... It's not really a read from cover-to-cover type of book. I browse.
May 20, 2021
It is indeed an ammunition for all atheists. Good to know that there were and are many like minded atheists in various respected fields.
February 2, 2008
This is a funny, thoughtful collection of quotes for the "hell-bound". I pick it up and down often and don't really sit and read it one page to the next
Woody Allen: "I don't want to achieve immortality through my work...I want to achieve immortality by not dying."
Woody Allen: "I don't want to achieve immortality through my work...I want to achieve immortality by not dying."
August 11, 2019
Atheist myself. And one star for the really good quotes. The rest are garbage. Bit of a waste of time.
This whole book feels like a school group assignment handed in for some random school project where the teacher asked people to collect quotes for their favourite subject and this is all the group came up with. Well obviously the group picked ”Atheism” because it’s random enough to draw attention to the class and in order to boost up the word count they googled the celebrities’ background and they put in the fun facts about them as well. Not just that they also sometimes put in some childish comments behind them quotes (which they disagree) to prove that the group actually read them and gave them thoughts.
And guess what this thing somehow got accepted into the market with illustrated cover and I stupidly bought it on my kindle and started reading with high expectations.
Well first of all most of the quotes are one liners. Some really famous people got the privilege to have few more lines highlighted. 80% of this book are background stories of those celebrities. And I sometimes have no clue why I should know about them before their quotes impress me.
Second of all most of the quotes are not powerful enough. At least 60% of the quotes are “religions are *all the bad words*” and it feels like this book is simply trying to find as many celebrities as possible to back up Atheism, which I believe we all get it and that’s why we picked up this book in the first place, which makes it feel a bit desperate. And weak.
Lastly, I don’t think the quotes were carefully selected. Most of them are quite random and simple minded. If we nonbelievers pride ourselves to be reasonable, rational, and open-minded I would expect good, eloquent, juicy quotes. Not ignorant, arrogant and childish for the most part.
Good quotes:
This whole book feels like a school group assignment handed in for some random school project where the teacher asked people to collect quotes for their favourite subject and this is all the group came up with. Well obviously the group picked ”Atheism” because it’s random enough to draw attention to the class and in order to boost up the word count they googled the celebrities’ background and they put in the fun facts about them as well. Not just that they also sometimes put in some childish comments behind them quotes (which they disagree) to prove that the group actually read them and gave them thoughts.
And guess what this thing somehow got accepted into the market with illustrated cover and I stupidly bought it on my kindle and started reading with high expectations.
Well first of all most of the quotes are one liners. Some really famous people got the privilege to have few more lines highlighted. 80% of this book are background stories of those celebrities. And I sometimes have no clue why I should know about them before their quotes impress me.
Second of all most of the quotes are not powerful enough. At least 60% of the quotes are “religions are *all the bad words*” and it feels like this book is simply trying to find as many celebrities as possible to back up Atheism, which I believe we all get it and that’s why we picked up this book in the first place, which makes it feel a bit desperate. And weak.
Lastly, I don’t think the quotes were carefully selected. Most of them are quite random and simple minded. If we nonbelievers pride ourselves to be reasonable, rational, and open-minded I would expect good, eloquent, juicy quotes. Not ignorant, arrogant and childish for the most part.
Good quotes:
March 12, 2012
One of the funniest books I've ever read! Laugh out loud good reading. Quotes from people thru-out history.
December 12, 2021
I loved this book, I underlined much and know I will read it again.
October 3, 2017
The longer I live, the less I believe in the existence of a higher power. Chaos rules, as proven by yesterday’s random shootings in Las Vegas by a gunman in the largest mass killing in American history. 28% of Americans believe in evolution, while 68% believe in Satan. Jack Huberman uses quotes from intellectuals; some famous and others less well known in support of his atheism. Many scientists are included, along with some recognizable authors and celebrities. My favorites: Woody Allen: “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work… I want to achieve immortality by not dying.” Napoleon: “God fights on the side with the biggest artillery.” “Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.” Karl Marx: “Religion is the opium of the people.” Polly Toynbee (The Guardian): “Religion is not nice; it is toxic in places where people really believe in it…It drives murderous Islamic jihadists. It makes mad the biblical land-grabbing Israeli settlers. It threatens nuclear nemesis between the Hindus and Muslims along the India-Pakistan border. It hurls pipe bombs on Ulster streets. The Falun Gong are killed for it, extremist Sikhs die for it too.” Lemuel K. Washburn: “Of all the great inventions and discoveries that make life easier… all these triumphs belong to science…if man had no knowledge except what he got out of the Bible he would not know enough to make a shoe.” Anton LaVey: “…TV is the new God…in previous centuries, the Church was the great controller, dictating morality, stifling free expression and posing as conservator of all great art and music. Today we have television dictating fashions, thoughts, attitudes, objectives, as once did the Church…Instead of “sins” to keep people in line, we have fear of being judged unacceptable by our peers by not wearing the right running shoes, not drinking the right kind of beer or wearing the wrong kind of deodorant… Only through exposure to television can the sins of alienation and ostracism be absolved.” Nietzsche: “The last Christian died on the cross.” The Quotable Atheist can be read over a period of time. I picked it up in between other books. It is well researched and provides a logical stance on atheism.
June 28, 2012
A must-read for any person of intelligence, i.e. "non-religious". Along the way you'll also get plenty of historical/social/political facts, commentary, and anecdotes from some of history's most famous and infamous. But also prepare to run the full gambit of emotions: a single page's worth of quotes can have you feeling inspired one moment and then outright appalled the next one. I recommend reading this with a pen or pencil at your side, as you'll surely want to underline your favorites. Also, a surprisingly long read for just a 300 page book of quotations. In every sense of the phrase, this book is a true eye opener.
I very rarely write reviews, especially on non-fiction, so that right there should say something about this book.
I very rarely write reviews, especially on non-fiction, so that right there should say something about this book.
February 14, 2010
A fantastic collection of quotable tit-bits from a wide range of non-believers (and the occasional believer too) including, scientists, philosophers, writers, actors and popes.
Great to dip in and out of, and a good source of inspiration for seeking out the full works of some of the people included.
Great to dip in and out of, and a good source of inspiration for seeking out the full works of some of the people included.
December 5, 2014
The best book for intellectual quotes out there. If you come across a pretentious person who tosses a line out from some "educated" Christian, you can pop right back with quotes from Voltaire, Einstein, George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Thomas Paine etc. etc.
Also a good book to make you think and open your mind
Also a good book to make you think and open your mind
May 29, 2012
The Quotable Atheist is a nice collection of humorous antedates and quips that are both helpful to diffuse situations where theists are losing their cool, or to simply irritate them further. This is a nice, fun collection that is an good addition to any library. I often go to it for sub-titles for papers or for an amusing break at work.
May 16, 2008
Hilarious and highly acidic, thought-provoking, and very effective in achieving the author's aim of using collected thoughts from great people in just about every field throughout history to challenge every aspect of religious belief, organizations, and practice.
August 3, 2014
Pretty straight forward - a book of quotes about Atheists and atheism. I liked it, and found it pretty comforting actually. I was really surprised at how many quoted people there are. Who knew atheism was this popular, for this long?
December 12, 2008
As the book jacket indicates: Ammunition for the Nonbelievers,Political Junkies, Gadflies, and Those Generally Hell-Bound.
I feel right at home!
I feel right at home!
June 27, 2011
handy quotes
November 30, 2009
Excellent collection of quotes. It helped me feel not so alone in my non-belief.
March 24, 2017
While this book does not tell a story, it provides much information and solid arguments that provide to be very entertaining. While I have always been agnostic, this book has strengthened my idea that if God(s) do(es) exist, he has no reason to care for us nor comply to our beliefs. This book also reminds me of the comic Calvin and Hobbes, and I in fact found two lines from the comic in the book, though unfortunately the one I remembered (Calvin asking in argument for not eating his chicken "What if we die and it turns out God is a big chicken?? what then?!"). While at first I was a bit apprehensive in reading this book as I feared it would provide unwarranted slander against religions that usually preach peace and love. Fortunately, I found that much of the argument was against the existence of a higher being, not the establishment of religions that teach understanding, love, peace, etc.. I found this very interesting in that I found some famous figures I did not know would be in this book such as Frank Sinatra. Being raised in a non-religious household, I have always wanted to understand the arguments for both sides so as to be able to make my own opinions. This book has allowed me to better understand the argument of not just one side, but the other by proxy.
October 18, 2024
Well, this was disappointing. The entry is a long-winded rant that was both poorly organized and just utterly pointless. This book was as filled with hate speech as any of the fanatical reactionary religious sermons the author hates so much. Two wrongs don't make a right. What were these thoughts supposed to be ammunition for (per the subtitle)? They didn't form any coherent argument other than that religion is crazy and harmful, and even those arguments were poorly made.
The quotes were organized alphabetically by author, which works, I guess, but only if you're looking to quote a specific person. If you're looking for a quote to use in as ammunition in an argument, Lady Luck better be on your side. If you're reading this looking to feel better about being an atheist, there's too much pinballing all over the place.
The quotes were organized alphabetically by author, which works, I guess, but only if you're looking to quote a specific person. If you're looking for a quote to use in as ammunition in an argument, Lady Luck better be on your side. If you're reading this looking to feel better about being an atheist, there's too much pinballing all over the place.
March 26, 2021
A good book for those who are not overly offended at a little god/religion bashing. Also helps provide a perspective of religion through the ages. Many of the quotes are humorous or cutting in perspective. One of my favorites for all the clerics who claim that atheism is just another religion: "If atheism is a religion, then health is a disease." (Clark Adams) These quotations also provide insight into the nature of "belief." Enjoyable to see how some of the great minds of history thought about god and religion.
May 27, 2017
I looked forward to reading this book every evening. The collection of quotes are from a diverse range of people throughout history: ancient thinkers, feminists I had never heard of, modern-day actors, politicians, comedians. I imagine the author experienced great joy in collecting all of these quotes (because I enjoyed reading them so much?). The author's comments are also fun to read.
July 17, 2019
Read" is a bit of a misnomer... I merely stopped reading several pages in with no real intent to begin again. The quotes are well chosen, but I simply hadn't expected the compiler's notes to feature so prominantly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews