The Savage interrupted him. "But isn't it natural to feel…
“The Savage interrupted him. "But isn't it natural to feel there's a God?" "You might as well ask if it's natural to do up one's trousers with zippers," said the Controller sarcastically. "You remind me of another of those old fellows called Bradley. He defined philosophy as the finding of bad reason for what one believes by instinct. As if one believed anything by instinct! One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them. Finding bad reasons for what one believes for other bad reasons–that's philosophy. People believe in God because they've been conditioned to.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Controller mocks the idea that belief in God is natural, arguing that beliefs are conditioned rather than instinctual.
In simple terms: Belief is shaped by conditioning, not innate instinct.
Key Takeaway
Question the origins of your convictions.
Themes
belief
conditioning
philosophy
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- examining personal beliefs
- debating religion
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
social conditioning
religion
critical thinking
instinct vs learning
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept beliefs because of upbringing?
- What evidence supports your convictions?
A Different Perspective
Belief may also involve personal experience beyond conditioning.