The gods do not exists, and even if they exist they do not trouble themselves about people, and we have nothing in common with them. The piety and devotion to the gods that the majority of people invoke is a lie devised by swindlers and con men and, if you can believe it, by legislators, to keep criminals in line by putting the fear of God into them.
📖 Epictetus
Epictetus argues that gods, if they exist, are indifferent to human affairs and that any faith or devotion expressed by people is largely deceitful. He believes that religion was manipulated by frauds and lawmakers to control the behavior of individuals, particularly criminals, by instilling fear. This perspective challenges traditional views on divinity and suggests that the worship of gods is based more on social control than on genuine belief.
The philosopher's assertions highlight the disconnect between divine beings and humanity, positing that humans have little to no shared experience with these gods. Epictetus invites readers to reconsider the motivations behind worship and the influence of societal structures that leverage piety for their purposes. Ultimately, he presents a critical view of the role of religion in maintaining order among people.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
