Gilbert K. Chesterton - When men stop believing in God, they don’t

When men stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing, they believe in anything.

Topics

Citations

Gilbert K. Chesterton, attributed, although not found in his works; first recorded as ‘The first effect of not believing in God is to believe in anything’ in Emile Cammaerts “Chesterton, The Laughing Prophet” (1937). See https://www.chesterton.org/ceases-to-worship/.

Linked Quotes

Umberto Eco

When men stop believing in God, it isn't that they then believe in nothing: they believe in everything.

In an interview with a Norwegian magazine, the Eco stated that he had based his novel, “Foucault’s Pendulum”, on Chesterton’s epigram: “When men stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing, they believe in anything.” See related quote.

Related Quotes

About the Author

Gilbert K. Chesterton

Born: May 29, 1874
Died: June 14, 1936
Nationality: English
Profession: Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet

Biography

Gilbert Keith Chesterton KC*SG was an English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic. He has been referred to as the "prince of paradox". Time magazine observed of his writing style: "Whenever possible Chesterton made his points with popular sayings, proverbs, allegories—first carefully turning them inside out."

Related Authors

Thomas Paine, Douglas Adams, Joseph Addison, John Ruskin, Agatha Christie, Augustus Hare, Rudyard Kipling, Arthur C. Clarke, Evelyn Beatrice Hall

Gilbert K. Chesterton Quotes