It forms a strong presumption against all supernatural and…
“It forms a strong presumption against all supernatural and miraculous relations, that they are observed chiefly to abound among ignorant and barbarous nations; or if a civilized people has ever given admission to any of them, that people will be found to have received them from ignorant and barbarous ancestors.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans tend to attribute miracles to societies lacking scientific knowledge, and even civilized cultures inherit such beliefs from primitive ancestors.
In simple terms: People link miracles to ignorance and cultural inheritance.
Key Takeaway
Question beliefs critically and seek natural explanations.
Themes
skepticism
culture
belief
science
Mood
inquisitive
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- anthropology research
- religious studies
- education policy
- media literacy
Key Concepts
empiricism
historical transmission
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural narratives shape what we deem miraculous?
- Can scientific literacy replace supernatural explanations?
A Different Perspective
Not all societies reject miracles; some rational societies maintain belief for social cohesion.