Meaning: The quote "It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt" by Plutarch, a Greek philosopher and biographer, reflects the idea that it is preferable to have no belief in God rather than holding a belief that is disrespectful or unworthy of the divine. Plutarch's quote emphasizes the importance of having a respectful and worthy understanding of the concept of God, rather than forming a contemptuous or disrespectful opinion.

Plutarch, who lived during the first and second centuries CE, was a prolific writer whose works encompassed a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, ethics, and biographical essays. His quote on the nature of belief in God is reflective of his broader philosophical and ethical concerns.

In the quote, Plutarch contrasts two types of attitudes towards God: having no opinion at all and holding an unworthy opinion. He suggests that having no opinion, or belief, in God is preferable to holding a belief that is disrespectful or contemptuous. This distinction underscores the importance of the quality of one's belief or opinion about the divine, rather than just the act of belief itself.

Plutarch's assertion that an unworthy opinion of God is contemptuous implies that such a belief is not only inadequate but also disrespectful. This reflects his belief in the significance of approaching the concept of the divine with reverence and humility. Plutarch's philosophical views were deeply influenced by his understanding of ethics and virtue, and this quote can be interpreted as an extension of his ethical concerns into the realm of religious belief.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of belief and its relationship to the divine. Plutarch's distinction between "only belief" and "contempt" suggests that belief, when unworthy, can be more harmful than having no belief at all. This distinction highlights the ethical dimension of belief and its potential impact on an individual's character and conduct.

Plutarch's statement can also be seen in the context of ancient philosophical debates about the nature of God and the appropriate ways to approach the divine. In the philosophical tradition of ancient Greece, questions about the existence and nature of the divine were central to many discussions, and Plutarch's quote can be situated within this broader intellectual context.

In conclusion, Plutarch's quote about the nature of belief in God reflects his ethical and philosophical concerns about the appropriate attitude towards the divine. By emphasizing the importance of holding a worthy and respectful opinion of God, Plutarch highlights the ethical dimension of religious belief and its potential impact on an individual's character. His words continue to provoke contemplation and discussion about the nature of belief and its relationship to the divine.