Since World War II, Japan has spawned enormous numbers of…
![“Since World War II, Japan has spawned enormous numbers of new religions featuring the supernatural… In Thailand, diseases are treated with pills manufactured from pulverized sacred Scripture. Witches are today being burned in South Africa… The worldwide TM [Transcendental Meditation] organization…” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/c27/carl-sagan-160_atheist_since-world-war-ii-japan-has-spawned-eno_2437563.jpg)
“Since World War II, Japan has spawned enormous numbers of new religions featuring the supernatural… In Thailand, diseases are treated with pills manufactured from pulverized sacred Scripture. Witches are today being burned in South Africa… The worldwide TM [Transcendental Meditation] organization has an estimated valuation of $3 billion. For a fee, they promise to make you invisible, to enable you to fly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques the rise of pseudo‑spiritual movements and commercialized mysticism, highlighting absurd claims and exploitation.
In simple terms: New religions and mystic claims often lack scientific basis and exploit believers.
Key Takeaway
Question and critically evaluate extraordinary claims.
Themes
skepticism
science
religion
commercialization
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
science
culture
critical thinking
When to use this quote
- health practices
- spiritual markets
- media coverage
Key Concepts
pseudoscience
faith
consumerism
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria distinguish legitimate belief from exploitation?
- How can scientific literacy address such phenomena?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overgeneralize and dismiss genuine cultural practices.