Single Idea 20269

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / e. Fideism]

Full Idea

Many people have achieved the humility that says: 'I believe because it is absurd', and have sacrificed their reason for it. But no one, as far as I know, has achieved the humility, which is only one step further, of 'I believe because I am absurd'.

Gist of Idea

'I believe because it is absurd' - but how about 'I believe because I am absurd'

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Dawn (Daybreak) [1881], 417)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Dawn (Daybreak) (v 5)', ed/tr. Smith, Brittain [Stanford 2011], p.217


A Reaction

Nietzsche gives the Latin: 'credo quia absurdum est' (Tertullian), and 'credo quia absurdus sum'. It may look like an insulting remark from Nietzsche, but it is actually in tune with the spirit of the original.

Related Idea

Idea 6610 I believe because it is absurd [Tertullian]