Suns are extinguished or become corrupted, planets perish and scatter across the wastes of the sky; other suns are kindled, new planets formed to make their revolutions or describe new orbits, and man, an infinitely minute part of a globe which itself is only an imperceptible point in the immense whole, believes that the universe is made for himself.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe and challenges egocentric views.
Baron D'Holbach's quote encapsulates a humbling perspective of humanity's place in the universe. It highlights the impermanence and transience of celestial bodies, suggesting that while stars and planets undergo cycles of existence, mankind often deludes itself into believing that the universe revolves around its own existence. This statement prompts a reflection on humility and the need to recognize that we are merely a small part of something infinitely larger than ourselves.
In practice
In a debate about environmentalism, this quote can highlight our interconnectedness with the universe and the importance of caring for our planet.
People have suffered and become insane for centuries by the thought of eternal punishment after death. Wouldn't it be better to depend on blind matter... than a god who puts out traps for people, invites them to sin, and allows them to sin and commit crimes he could prevent. Only to finally get the barbarian pleasure to punish them in an excessive way, of no use for himself, without them changing their ways and without their example preventing others from committing crimes.
Tolerance and freedom of thought are the veritable antidotes to religious fanaticism.
If we go back to the beginnings of things, we shall always find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that imagination, rapture and deception embellished them; that weakness worships them; that custom spares them; and that tyranny favors them in order to profit from the blindness of men.
To discover the true principles of Morality, men have no need of theology, of revelation, or of gods: They have need only of common sense.
Obviously a primary liberal conviction is that we should be tolerant of other peoples' convictions. But if we believe in something, we had better find ways to say so convincingly.
All has gone to rest, and I don't know whether I'm alive or will live or whether I'm rushing like this through the world for I'm not longer weeping or laughing
Why are people born? Why do they die? Why do they want to spend so much of the intervening time wearing digital watches?
As soon as we notice that certain types of events 'like' to cluster together at certain times, we begin to understand the Chinese, whose theories of medicine, philosophy, and even building are based on a 'science' of meaningful coincidences.
I am truly free only when all human beings, men and women, are equally free. The freedom of other men, far from negating or limiting my freedom, is, on the contrary, its necessary premise and confirmation.
We have built a thousand temples to Fortune and not one to Reason
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