Atheism Among the People

Atheism Among the People

Atheism Among the People is a work written by Alphonse de Lamartine, a French poet, historian, and statesman. The book was first published in 1834 and is considered to be one of the earliest works on atheism. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is a historical overview of atheism in Europe, from ancient Greece to the 19th century. Lamartine examines the various philosophical and religious movements that have shaped the development of atheism, including the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the rise of scientific thought. He also looks at the impact of atheism on society, and how it has been viewed by different cultures. The second part of the book is a more personal exploration of atheism. Lamartine examines his own beliefs and experiences, and how they have shaped his views on atheism. He also looks at the arguments for and against atheism, and how they have been used to support or oppose it. Overall, Atheism Among the People is an important work in the history of atheism. It provides an insightful look into the development of atheism, and how it has been viewed by different cultures. It is also an interesting exploration of Lamartine's own beliefs and experiences.

By Alphonse de Lamartine · First published 1850 · Genre: Philosophy, Religion, Non-Fiction · 19 chapters · 10,335 words

First lines

I have often asked myself, "Why am I a Republican? -- Why am I the partizan of equitable Democracy, organized and established as a good and strong Government? -- Why have I a real love of the People -- a love always serious, and sometimes even tender? -- What has the People done for me? I was not born in the ranks of the People. I was born between the high Aristocracy and what was then called "the inferior classes", in the days when there were classes, where are now equal citizens in various callings. I never starved in the People's famine; I never groaned, personally, in the People's miseries; I never sweat with its sweat; I was never benumbed with its cold. Why then, I repeat it, do I hunger in its hunger, thirst with its thirst, warm under its sun, freeze under its cold, grieve under its sorrows? Why should I not care for it as little as for that which passes at the antipodes? -- turn away my eyes, close my ears, think of other things, and wrap myself up in that soft, thick garment of indifference and egotism, in which I can shelter myself, and indulge my separate personal tastes, without asking whether, below me, -- in street, garret, or cottage, there is a rich People, or a beggar People; a religious People, or an atheistic People; a People of idlers, or of workers; a People of Helots, or of citizens?"

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Apologetics · Atheism · believe · citizens · conscience · earth · end · even · every · faith · god · government

Contents

More by Alphonse de Lamartine