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By now the valley of the shadow of doubt was overrunneth…

“By now the valley of the shadow of doubt was overrunneth with skepticism, so God became angry, so angry that God lost His temper and cursed the first humans, telling them to go forth and multiply themselves (but not in those words). But the humans took God literally and now there are six billion…” quote by Michael Shermer
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““By now the valley of the shadow of doubt was overrunneth with skepticism, so God became angry, so angry that God lost His temper and cursed the first humans, telling them to go forth and multiply themselves (but not in those words). But the humans took God literally and now there are six billion of them.””

Michael Shermer

About This Quote

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

Human literal interpretation of divine anger led to exponential population growth, highlighting how belief can shape reality.

In simple terms: Beliefs can cause huge real-world effects.

Key Takeaway

Question the literal reading of myths.

Themes

belief population interpretation mythology

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • education
  • public policy
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

cognitive bias religious literalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role do cultural narratives play in modern decisions?
  • Can reinterpretation change outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Overlooks scientific explanations for growth.

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