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If religions are diseases of the human psyche, as the…

“If religions are diseases of the human psyche, as the philosopher Grintholde asserts, then religious wars must be reckoned the resultant sores and cankers infecting the aggregate corpus of the human race. Of all wars, these are the most detestable, since they are waged for no tangible gain, but…” quote by Jack Vance
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“If religions are diseases of the human psyche, as the philosopher Grintholde asserts, then religious wars must be reckoned the resultant sores and cankers infecting the aggregate corpus of the human race. Of all wars, these are the most detestable, since they are waged for no tangible gain, but only to impose a set of arbitrary credos upon another's mind.”

Jack Vance

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Religious conflicts arise from imposing beliefs without material benefit, likened to harmful diseases spreading through humanity.

In simple terms: Religious wars are harmful and pointless.

Key Takeaway

Avoid imposing beliefs on others.

Themes

religion conflict ethics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • interfaith dialogue
  • education curricula
  • peacebuilding initiatives

Key Concepts

dogma social pathology war causation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies reduce belief-driven violence?
  • What alternatives exist to resolve ideological disputes?
A Different Perspective

Religious motivations can be complex and not purely arbitrary.

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