Arrows of Freethought
G. W. Foote
Jul 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
99
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
In 'Arrows of Freethought,' G. W. Foote presents a compelling collection of articles that meticulously dissect the relationship between religion and societal progress, offering a robust defense of free thought and critique of religious doctrine. With an incisive literary style reflective of late 19th-century secularist discourse, Foote's writings, originally disseminated through various progressive publications such as the Secularist and the Freethinker, maintain a sharp relevance in the literary context of discussions on religion and enlightenment. The reader is ushered into a world where critical reasoning and empirical evidence are glorified above dogmatic belief, evoking the spirit of Enlightenment philosophy and echoing the works of Thomas Paine, whom Foote vociferously defends within these pages. George William Foote, a stalwart British secular philosopher, was driven by his steadfast commitment to free thought and his opposition to what he perceived as the stifling grip of religious orthodoxy. His motivation to write 'Arrows of Freethought' can be traced to his active involvement in secular and freethinker societies, nurtured by the intellectual milieu of Victorian England that grappled with the tectonic shifts of scientific discovery and religious skepticism. These articles not only reflect Foote's intellectual vigor but are also a testament to his courage, as they were penned in an era when advocating secularism could—and did—lead to his imprisonment for blasphemy. 'Arrows of Freethought' will entice readers who are passionate about the philosophy of religion, secularism, and the historical interactions between faith and reason. Those acquainted with the works of secular titans such as Thomas Paine will find in Foote's book a worthy intellectual companion. It comes highly recommended to anyone seeking a historical perspective on the challenges posed to religious orthodoxy by freethought and its enduring significance in shaping our contemporary worldviews on spirituality and progress.
About the author
George William Foote (1850-1915), commonly known as G.W. Foote, was a prominent British secularist and freethinker, who was pivotal in the progress of freethought movement in the Victorian era. Renowned for his spirited defense of atheistic and rationalist principles, Foote's literature is characterized by its wit, erudition, and an unflinching commitment to Enlightenment values. His work 'Arrows of Freethought' (1882) is a collection of essays that reflects Foote's intellectual rigor and his ardor to critique religious doctrine and champion humanism and reason. Foote's literary style is noted for its clarity, incisiveness, and engaging prose, which served to popularize secular thought and critiquing religious orthodoxy with a keen analytical edge. As the President of the National Secular Society and the editor of the 'Freethinker' magazine, Foote was instrumental in shaping the secular discourses of his time. His contributions to literature and the freethought movement encapsulate the zeitgeist of late 19th-century skepticism and continue to resonate with secular audiences today. Foote's legacy within the canon of freethought literature is evidenced by his enduring influence on the subsequent generations of secularists and humanists.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
