Samuel Johnson on the New Atheists and the search for truth

Extracts from Sermon 20

On Mores-

We not only do what we approve, but there is danger lest in time we come to approve what we do, though for no other reason but that we do it. . . . . . .

On the New Atheists-

But these men have discovered, it seems, a more compendious way to knowledge. They decided the most momentous questions amidst the jollity of feasts, and the excesses of riot. They have found that an adversary is more easily silenced than confuted. They insult, instead of vanquishing, their antagonists, and decline the battle to hasten the triumph.

It is an establish maxim among them, that he who ridicules an opinion confutes it. For this reason they make no scruple of violating every rule of decency, and treating with utmost contempt whatever is accounted venerable or sacred.

For this conduct they admire themselves, and go on applauding their won abilities, celebrating the victories they gain over their grave opponents, and loudly boasting their superiority to the advocates of religion.

As humility is a very necessary qualification for an examiner into religion, it may not be improper to depress the arrogance fo these haughty champions, by shewing with how little justice they lay claim to victory, and how much less they deserve to be applauded than despised. . . . . . . .

On Truth-

Let it be remembered, the nature of things is not alterable by our conduct. We cannot make truth; it is our business only to find it.