I think I like big issues, but I don't believe in God or religion.

In this quote, Damien Hirst, a renowned contemporary artist, expresses a preference for engaging with big issues while distancing himself from God and religion. He acknowledges an interest in exploring complex, philosophical topics but makes it clear that he does not adhere to traditional religious beliefs. Hirst’s statement may reflect his approach to art, where he often tackles profound questions about life, death, faith, and the human condition, but from a secular and personal perspective, rather than through the lens of organized religion.

Hirst’s mention of big issues suggests that he is drawn to topics that challenge societal norms and provoke deep reflection, such as the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the uncertainty of what lies beyond. However, by distancing himself from God and religion, Hirst implies that these issues can and should be explored through human understanding, science, and art rather than through theological frameworks. This perspective aligns with his artistic philosophy, which often explores the tension between faith, science, and the mysteries of life.

The origin of this quote can be linked to Hirst's artistic practice and public persona, both of which often challenge conventional ideas about religion, mortality, and human experience. As an artist, Hirst has explored controversial topics like death, the human body, and the afterlife in works like The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (a shark preserved in formaldehyde). His works often provoke discussion about the intersection of science and faith, and his rejection of religion in this quote reflects his approach to these themes, preferring to ask questions rather than provide doctrinal answers.

Ultimately, Hirst's quote reveals his secular worldview, one that prioritizes intellectual inquiry and personal exploration over religious dogma. While he acknowledges the importance of big questions in art and philosophy, he chooses to engage with them from a rational and humanistic standpoint, unbound by traditional religious structures. This approach mirrors much of Hirst’s body of work, which invites viewers to confront difficult questions without relying on religious certainty.