When a person suffers from a delusion it is called…
“When a person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity; when a number of people suffer from a delusion it is called religion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
It contrasts individual delusion (insanity) with collective delusion (religion), implying that shared false beliefs become institutionalized as religion.
In simple terms: Individual delusion is insanity; group delusion is religion.
Question the basis of widely held beliefs.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Personal introspection
- community discussions
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What distinguishes harmful delusion from meaningful belief?
- How can societies critically evaluate shared doctrines?
The comparison can be seen as dismissive of genuine spiritual experiences.