We all know that any emotional bias -- irrespective of…
““We all know that any emotional bias -- irrespective of truth or falsity -- can be implanted by suggestion in the emotions of the young, hence the inherited traditions of an orthodox community are absolutely without evidential value… If religion were true, its followers would not try to bludgeon their young into an artificial conformity; but would merely insist on their unbending quest for truth, irrespective of artificial backgrounds or practical consequences. With such an honest and inflexible openness to evidence, they could not fail to receive any real truth which might be manifesting itself around them. The fact that religionists do not follow this honourable course, but cheat at their game by invoking juvenile quasi-hypnosis, is enough to destroy their pretensions in my eyes even if their absurdity were not manifest in every other direction.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Emotional bias can be implanted in youth; true religion would seek evidence, not conformity, but many traditions lack this openness.
In simple terms: Religion should value evidence over tradition.
Key Takeaway
Question evidence‑based belief.
Themes
faith
evidence
bias
tradition
truth
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical.
When to use this quote
- education
- parenting
- religious discourse
- policy making
Key Concepts
critical thinking
psychology of belief
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster open inquiry?
- What role should education play in belief formation?
A Different Perspective
People often cling to belief despite contradictory evidence.