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Quote by John Hume

“Difference is the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth, and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”

Quote by John Hume

Author

John Hume

John Hume, a renowned Irish politician born on January 18, 1937, is best known for his pivotal role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Hume has been a key figure in the Democratic Unionist Party and has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue with various political and paramilitary groups in the region. more

“There are those whose views about religion are not very different from my own, but who nevertheless feel that we should try to damp down the conflict, that we should compromise it. … I respect their views and I understand their motives, and I don't condemn them, but I'm not having it. To me, the conflict between science and religion is more important than these issues of science education or even environmentalism. I think the world needs to wake up from its long nightmare of religious belief; and anything that we scientists can do to weaken the hold of religion should be done, and may in fact be our greatest contribution to civilization.”

Science Belief Conflict Respect Ancient Myth Compromise Opposition Superstition Myths

Author:Steven Weinberg

“A jealous lover of human liberty, and deeming it the absolute condition of all that we admire and respect in humanity, I reverse the phrase of Voltaire, and say that, if God really existed, it would be necessary to abolish him.”

Humanity Liberty Atheism Respect Abolish Voltaire Antitheism Abolish God

Book:God and the State

Source: God and the State

“The atheist, agnostic, or secularist ... should not be cowed by exaggerated sensitivity to people's religious beliefs and fail to speak vigorously and pointedly when the devout put forth arguments manifestly contrary to all the acquired knowledge of the past two or three millennia. Those who advocate a piece of folly like the theory of an 'intelligent creator' should be held accountable for their folly; they have no right to be offended for being called fools until they establish that they are not in fact fools. Religiously inclined writers like Stephen L Carter may plead that 'respect' should be accorded to religious views in public discourse, but he neglects to demonstrate that those views are worthy of respect. All secularists -- scientists, literary figures, even politicians (if there are any such with the requisite courage) -- should speak out on the issue when the opportunity presents itself.”

Truth Belief Respect Atheist Foolish Sensitivity Agnostic Outdated Secularist

Book:Atheism: A Reader

Source: Atheism: A Reader

“Approval shifts with others; authenticity stays with you.”