“The position of the Atheist is a clear and reasonable one. I know nothing about ‘God’ and therefore I do not believe in Him or in it; what you tell me about your God is self‐contradictory, and therefore incredible. I do not deny ‘God,’ which is an unknown tongue to me; I do deny your God, who is an impossibility. I am without God.”

English socialist and activist

Annie Besant was an English socialist, theosophist, freemason, educationist, and activist. She lived from 1847 to 1933 and became known for her work in social reform, women’s rights, Home Rule, and Indian nationalism. She supported self-government for Ireland and India and took a prominent role in public life in both countries. In 1917, she became the first woman to serve as president of the Indian National Congress. Her writing and public speeches reflect her commitment to political change, education, and reform.